Suspected terrorists have attacked a military formation in Logomani community, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a soldier before setting a police outpost, a primary healthcare centre and two classrooms ablaze.
The attack, which occurred late Tuesday, also forced residents to flee the community as the assailants reportedly fired indiscriminately before destroying public facilities.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said troops successfully repelled the assault on the Forward Operating Base in Logomani.
He, however, disclosed that one soldier was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while two gun trucks and other combat equipment were damaged.
According to Goni, the insurgents briefly breached part of the base's defensive perimeter but were forced back after troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.
He added that surviving terrorists fled the area with gunshot wounds, while reinforcements had since been deployed to strengthen security around the military base.
Residents described the attack as well coordinated, alleging that the terrorists overpowered security personnel before moving into the community, where they torched the police post, healthcare facility and two classrooms.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the entire community was thrown into panic as people fled to safety while the attackers operated.
A security source disclosed that personnel of the military, police and the Civilian Joint Task Force launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists shortly after the attack but the suspects had escaped deep into the surrounding area.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, Mala Tijjani Ngala, visited the affected community on Wednesday to assess the extent of the destruction.
During the inspection of the damaged facilities, the council chairman assured residents that the outcome of the assessment would be forwarded to the Borno State Government to facilitate urgent intervention, while urging the public to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies.
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