Following the aerial onslaught by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on the strategic town of Bama at the weekend, leading to the forced retreat of Boko Haram terrorists from Borno’s second largest town, the sect last night launched a counter-offensive on Mubi and Michika, two important towns in Adamawa State with large Christian populations.
THISDAY learnt from security sources that Michika had come under severe attack, forcing several of its residents to flee the town to neighbouring towns and villages.
However, the insurgents, THISDAY learnt, found it more difficult to make inroads into Mubi as they were repelled by the superior firepower of the Nigerian military.
Earlier yesterday, students of Adamawa State University, Mubi, on getting wind that the insurgents were advancing to the town and Michika, fled their campus.
The authorities of the university also announced its closure to forestall the destruction of lives and property in the school.
They were seen at bus stations in the town trying to depart Mubi.
The insurgents had on Friday launched an attack on Gulak, headquarters of Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Liman Tukur, who confirmed the attack in a statement Saturday, said the insurgents had taken over Gulak.
Boko Haram has been laying siege to several major towns and villages in Borno and Adamawa States in recent weeks in its bid to carve out an Islamic enclave.
Though it still has Gwoza and Gamboru Ngala, both in Borno State, as well as Banki in Adamawa State, under its control, the Nigerian military has sworn to leave no stone unturned until it recaptures every territory from the sect.
In addition, in a bid to forge a strong alliance against terrorism and cut off Boko Haram’s supply routes from Libya and Sudan, President Goodluck Jonathan will today hold talks with the Chadian President Idriss Deby in Ndjamena.
A statement yesterday by Jonathan’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the Chadian president, who is also the current chairman of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, will host the Nigerian president.
The meeting is sequel to their discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, last week on the sidelines of the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit.
“President Jonathan and his host will further the discussion on how to actualise the agreements for greater cooperation against insurgents and terrorists reached by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroun at a meeting in Paris earlier this year.
“Their talks are expected to lead to the strengthening of the Paris Accord on joint border patrols, intelligence sharing and the prevention of the illicit movement of terrorists, criminals, arms and ammunition across shared borders.
“Before returning to Abuja tomorrow, President Jonathan who will be accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed; and the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Professor Sheidu Mohammed, will be a Special Guest of Honour at an international conference on Information Technology and Communications, holding in Ndjamena on the same day,” the statement added. THISDAY
