Boko Haram: Shekau on the run as troops dislodge sect in Alagarno

Troops of the 7 division of the Nigerian Army have killed dozens of Boko Haram insurgents in Alagarno village and neighboring communities in Damboa local government area of Borno State, a battle which lasted for over 48 hours according to locals who fled the area to MAIDUGURI, the Borno state capital.

DAILY POST learnt that, the fleeing insurgents left behind many assorted arms and ammunitions, which the military recovered from their hideout in a tunnel that is capable of housing more that 3000 fighters and over 200 vehicles.

A security source told DAILY POST that several vehicles of the insurgents, some with anti-aircraft missiles mounted on them, were destroyed.

ALAGARNO is 45 kilometers from MAIDUGURI and has been a resistant ground in the last two years of the attempt by Nigerian military to take control. It was said to be one of the major strongholds of the Boko Haram insurgents which they used for various activities, including training of recruits, organising attacks on various places and holding hostages.


Our source within the military said after their dislodgment from dozens of communities in northern and central parts of Borno State, the insurgents intensified shuttling between Sambisa Forest and Alagarno which also allowed them to get in and out of some communities in Yobe State.

He said after weeks of surveillance and mapping, fighter jets and ground troops with latest fighting equipment, were deployed to Alagarno for an operation that is still ongoing.

“Hundreds of the terrorists have been killed during aerial reconnaissance and ground operations which started days ago and still ongoing. We are making serious progress because we ensured that all their escape routes have been blocked before the latest operation began,” a security source said.

“After we took over Gwoza, even the so-called Shekau (leader of the sect) relocated to Alagarno general area and he is still on the run but we will get him, we would surely get him,” he added.

Our correspondent reports that since Wednesday, various military aircraft were seen heading towards Damboa even as residents in the area said they have been hearing heavy sound of artillery and have seen from a distance, fighter jets dropping bombs.