Suspected Boko Haram fighters have killed no fewer than 30 people after dislodging troops stationed in Ajiri village, Mafa Local Government Area of Borno Stat, security sources have said.
The insurgents were said to have stormed Ajiri village at about 8:30 pm on Monday, shooting sporadically as civilians fled into the bushes.
A security source disclosed that the Boko Haram fighters stormed the village in their hundreds in more than 30 gun trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns and overpowered the military and civilian JTF after a gun battle that lasted about an hour.
Five soldiers were said to have been killed in the attack by the insurgents.
The source said, “It was a bad night for our troops in Ajiri. The terrorists came in their hundreds.
“Scores lost their lives, five of our men paid the supreme sacrifice. At least, 15 CJTF lost their lives and 12 others.”
According to a member of CJTF, Bala Ibrahim, “They carted away five utility vehicles and food items; the residents passed the night in the bushes as dozens were wounded.
“The insurgents were seriously engaged in a gun battle that lasted for hours and finally dislodged the military base at Ajiri.”
About three days ago, the insurgents had attacked the village, located about 20kilometres from Dikwa on the Dikwa-Maiduguri road, killing at least 10 people and burnt down houses.