By Abba Gwale
Reports from Maiduguri say earlier today, soldiers stopped Boko Haram terrorists from mounting a barricade on Damaturu-Maiduguri highway in Borno State.
The incident happened shortly after the usual daily road closure was eased in the morning when soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel around Minok and Jakana towns.
Usually, troops close the road in the evening and open it at 7am every day.
An eyewitness said soldiers foiled suspected insurgents who were about to mount road barricades and attack travellers.
“We were on our way to Maiduguri after spending the night in Damaturu when we were stopped by soldiers at a place after Mainok.
“We were earlier asked to turn back and later we were told to stay there. Shots were later fired ahead of us, which sounded like gunfire exchange. We were asked to proceed after about thirty five minutes,” he said.
Last week Boko Haram abducted a newlywed bride on the route though she was freed 24 hours after the abduction.
During decorating new service Chiefs on Friday, President Muhammad Buhari gave them few weeks to curtail the insecurity in the country.
