Operatives from Borno State Rapid Respond Squad on Friday thwarted the efforts by Boko Haram terrorist to abduct travellers at Garin Kuturu along Maiduguri Damaturu road.
The major highway was closed to traffic for about two hours as the RRS men engaged the terrorists in a shootout.
According to security source, the insurgents had taken a drive through the desert part with the intention of blocking the highway to kidnap travellers.
The source said they were however spotted by men of the RRS deployed on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway who engaged them in a shootout.
He said the shootout which started at about 3pm lasted for about an hour and half.
The RRS was able to thwart the terrorists movement as they were able to destabilize the insurgents after several shot of canisters of teargas.
According to the source, the insurgents had to beat a retreat as they could not withstand the teargas.
Though no one was said to have been lost on both sides, but two armoured vehicles belonging to the RRS were said to have been destroyed in the attack.
The source said: “Boko Haram terrorists attack at Garin Kuturu along Maiduguri Damaturu road today (Friday) at about 1630hrs was thwarted by RRS.
“The use of tear gas gave the police upper hand, while Boko Haram launched attacks on CTU and RRS vehicle, the road was blocked for the commuters, to ensure safety of the civilians, and thereafter they were escorted to Auno.
“Efforts to kidnapped passengers were thwarted, the road is safe, no any form of abduction,” the source said.
The operation against the insurgents was led by Commander RRS Borno State, Abioye Babalola.
The security source also revealed that two vehicles, a Sharon and Toyota Camry with registration number PKM 512 XA and KANO TRN 77 SY were recovered from the insurgents.
The Commandant RRS, Babalola confirmed the incident but did not give details.
He said normalcy has been brought to the highway and commuters were able to travel on the road again.
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