Nigerian Military, ISWAP In Fierce Gun Battle In Dikwa, Northeast Nigeria
Nigerian counterinsurgency forces have responded to an attack on the garrison town in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
The Nigerian military on Tuesday, June 9, 2021 engaged Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Dikwa area of Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
Dikwa, the old capital of the Borno kingdom, lies about 90 kilometres from Maiduguri, the current state capital and is considered a link to local governments like Bama, Mafa, and Marte.
HumAngle understands that the ground troops, with support from the Air Force, were able to push back the attack from ISWAP which began on Tuesday evening.
PRNigeria reported that there was a fierce gun battle between the Nigerian troops and terrorists.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) report, attacks on Dikwa Local Government Area in March, April and May, led to a new wave of displacements.
However, over 600 individuals have returned to Dikwa LGA from Maiduguri since the first attack on March 1.
During the attack in March, insurgents dislodged troops, overran the town, and destroyed support facilities including a primary health care centre, before laying siege at the United Nations humanitarian hub which forced aid workers to seek shelter in a bunker.
On March 5, Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State visited the town to assess the impact of the attack on the garrison town.
In April, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator announced the suspension of humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Jan. 2020 report, the estimated population of Dikwa Local Government Area is 113,902, including 75,470 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
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