Army denies Boko Haram hoisted flags near Chibok

The Nigerian Army has refuted the report that Boko Haram insurgents have hoisted flags in some communities near Chibok, Borno State.

A statement by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said the troops of the Operations Lafiya Dole are maintaining a high level of vigilance in and around the area to forestall infiltration by the terrorists.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had yesterday reported that the insurgents hoisted their flags in three villages in northern Borno, after over-running the area.

The report said the attack followed another one on Monday evening in three villages of Kubirivour, Boftari and Kuburmbalah.

According to the report, it led to the death of eight people, including a village elder.

The elder was said to have been slaughtered by the terrorists, as other villagers scampered into the near by bushes for safety.

Usman said there was no presence of the sect near the reported location.

According to the army spokesman, “At about 4.35pm, suspected remnants of the sect attacked Boftari, which is about 15 kilometres from Chibok town.

“On receipt of the information, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole stationed in Forward Operation Base Chibok, mobilised to the area. The troops encountered the terrorists’ ambush site shortly before Kuburmbula village. They quickly cleared the ambush and proceeded to Boftari.

“Unfortunately, the terrorists had set some houses on fire and fled. The troops put out the fire and are currently on the hunt for the terrorists.”