The major highway between Borno and Yobe states, Maiduguri-Damaturu highway was closed to traffic for about two hours yesterday as men of the Borno State Rapid Respond Squad engaged Boko Haram in a long 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 shootout

The shootout which started at about 3p.m. lasted for about an hour and half.

The RRS was about to thwart their movement as they were able to destabilise the insurgents after several shot of canisters of teargas.

According to the source, the insurgents had to retreat as they could not withstand the teargas

Though no one was said to have been lost on the two sides, but two armored vehicles belonging to the RRS were said to be destroyed in the attack.

The source said: “Boko Haram terrorist attacks at Garin Kuturu along Maiduguri- Damaturu road today 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, after neutralising the road and ensuring safety of the civilians, they were escorted to Auno,

“Efforts to kidnap passengers was 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, Abioye Babalola confirmed the incident when he was called by our correspondent but did not however give the details

He said normalcy had been brought to the highway and commuters were able to travel on the road again.

"Exciting news! TheNigeriaLawyer is now on WhatsApp Channels 🚀 Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest legal insights!" Click here! ....................................................................................................................... Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material and other digital content on this website, in whole or in part, without express and written permission from TheNigeriaLawyer, is strictly prohibited _________________________________________________________________ [Register Now] ILA Nigeria Branch Marks 10 Years With Infrastructure Financing As Theme For 7th Annual Conference The International Law Association - Nigeria Branch 7th annual conference on public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure financing, April 4-5 in Abuja. Details: https://ilanigeria.org.ng/conference _________________________________________________________________

NIALS' Compendia Series: Your One-Stop Solution For Navigating Nigerian Laws (2004-2023)

Email: info@nials.edu.ng, tugomak@yahoo.co.uk, Contact: For Inquiry and information, kindly contact, NIALS Director of Marketing: +2348074128732, +2348100363602.