Nigerian military authorities on Monday claimed that only 26 people died during the pre-dawn attacks on Maiduguri International Airport and the Nigerian Air Force base by the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig Gen Chris Olukolade, stated that only two Air Force personnel died while 24 insurgents were killed.
Olukolade, also claimed that the insurgents were repelled but, report from Maiduguri indicated that hundreds must have died on both sides- Boko Haram and military personnel.
To underscore the seriousness of the attack, the Secretary to Borno State Government, Baba Ahmed Jidda, had earlier announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri. The decision, he said was taken in consultation with military authorities.
Olukolade, said flights to and from Maiduguri International Airport which were disrupted early in the morning have resumed.
The statement by DHQ spokesman reads in full, “Nigerian security forces today repelled a pre-dawn attack on Maiduguri by suspected terrorists. Military locations such as Nigerian Air Force Base and some Nigerian Army locations in Maiduguri were targeted during the attack.
“Three decommissioned military aircrafts as well as two Helicopters were incapacitated in the course of the attack. Two Air Force personnel were also wounded while 24 insurgents died during the exchange of fire.
“Security forces are in pursuit of the terrorists in the Djemtillo general area along the Maiduguri/Banishek axis. Movements in Maiduguri and environs have been restricted. Citizens are enjoined to report any of the fleeing insurgents, most of whom could be identified with gunshot wounds whenever they are sighted.
“Meanwhile, normal flights operations to and from the Maiduguri Airport which were earlier temporarily disrupted has resumed”.
Following escalation of violence occasioned by frequent attacks by the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, President Goodluck Jonathan, in May declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to contain insurgency.
