A Boko Haram group in Fune has been smashed by security forces, with two vehicles, arms, ammunition and other materials recovered, the Joint Task Force in Yobe said on Saturday.
Speaking in Damaturu, while displaying the items to newsmen, JTF spokesman, Lt. Lazarus Eli explained that the terrorists attacked a JTF checkpoint in Fune on Friday and took away a police vehicle conveying some items to Borno State, News Agency of Nigeria reports.
“The JTF pursued and engaged them in a gunfight and they were overpowered. We recovered the stolen vehicle as well as a similar one used by the group.
“Other items recovered include one Ak47 rifle, three Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, three RPG chargers, one riot gun and 485 rounds of ammunition,” Eli said.
According to him, 42 police jackets, 44 police helmets, six AK47 rifle magazines, 80 fragmentation blades and illicit drugs were also recovered.
Eli said some of the suspects fled with gunshots and appealed to the public to report anyone found with gun wounds to security operatives.
Meanwhile, the people of the state have appealed to the federal authorities to lift the suspension of telephone services, to enable them provide security operatives with useful and timely information.
Damaturu residents claimed that the attack on a college two weeks ago would have been averted, if there was telephone service.
“People noticed suspicious movements on that fateful day just about the commencement of the curfew, but one could not move out.
“Also, there was no telephone network for us to report to the security,” a resident said.
