Militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād are currently attacking Auno, a village in the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Early reports indicate that the insurgents stormed the community Monday morning, shooting heavy artillery.
The situation forced people to scamper for safety and remain indoors as the shooting continued, according to a soldier.
He added that the troops overpowered the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to flee.
“It’s not clear if there are any casualties. I can’t say maybe anyone was abducted as well, it was an attack on commuters plying the highway in the community,” the source said.
Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad.
Just recently, it appointed Wali Sani Shuwaram, a 45-year-old as the new Leader (Wali) of ISWAP in Lake Chad.
The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under Shekau.
The Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that insurgency had been largely defeated and frequently underplays any losses.
The terror group has caused over 50,000 deaths and displaced millions of people mainly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
