The Nigeria Army has denied media reports the Maiduguri/Monguno highway has been closed to motorists following its ongoing battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Baga town.
In a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the army such reports and insinuations were untrue.
He noted the troops of operation Lafiya Dole have rather dominated the highway with aggressive patrols to keep the highway safe for road users.
“The attention of the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been drawn to the information making the rounds in the social media and some online blogs that the road connecting Maiduguri and Monguno town in Borno State, has been closed to motorists and other road users.
“This is untrue, as no such closure has been imposed by the Theatre Command.
“Contrary to the insinuation, Maiduguri – Monguno road remains open to motorists and all law abiding citizens.
“Troops are dominating the road with aggressive patrols, while clearance operations to flush out Boko Haram terrorists are ongoing in Baga general area,” he explained.
He also corroborated reports some hunters in Yobe State dealt a heavy blow on the insurgents that entered the town on Sunday night.
“Suspected Boko Haram fighters who invaded Buni- Gari, a town in Yobe state, got more than they bargained for when some hunters engaged them in a fierce battle on Sunday,” Onyema stressed.
The source also revealed the insurgents destroyed all political posters and billboards including those of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mai Mala Buni, who is from the village.