Borno attacks: DHQ claims 26 died as flights resume at Maiduguri airport

Nigeria’s Defence headquarters (DHQ) has officially reacted to the early morning attacks on the Nigeria Air Force base and Maiduguri International Airport, claiming it repelled attack by the Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram.
The attack, which led to imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri, was reported to have claimed hundreds of lives both on the sides of military personnel and the insurgents.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig Gen Chris Olukolade, however, said only two Air Force personnel died while 24 causalities were recorded on the side of the sect, Boko Haram.
The DHQ also announced that flights to and from Maiduguri International Airport, which were disrupted early in the morning have resumed.
Olukolade’s statement reads, “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”.