The Defence Headquarters has initiated a search operation for the terrorists responsible for the assault on the convoy of Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni. The convoy, en route from Maiduguri to Damaturu, was ambushed by terrorists, even though the governor was not present. Notably, key government figures such as the Secretary to Yobe State Government, Baba Wali, and the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs were among those traveling with the convoy.
In a statement released on Sunday night, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, clarified that troops from the 29 Task Force Brigade, engaged in patrol duties, intervened to rescue the victims and recover the two affected vehicles. The convoy’s security personnel, including a military truck driver, four police escorts, and one DSS operative, sustained injuries during the attack.
The statement reported, “On November 18, 2023, at about 18:30hrs, the convoy and escorts of the executive governor of Yobe state that were returning to Damaturu from Maiduguri encountered terrorists ambush attack at a location about six kilometers from Benesheikh town which is along the Maiduguri to Damaturu road.”
Governor Buni was not present in the convoy at the time, and the convoy included military escorts with two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, three Toyota gun trucks, police escorts, Department of State Services operatives, and members of the Yobe state hunters group.
Maj. Gen. Buba asserted, “Troops of 29 Task Force Brigade on patrol duty and route picketing along the Maiduguri to Damaturu road promptly moved to the scene and assisted in the extrication of the victims and recovery of the two vehicles affected in the incident.” The injured security personnel are in stable condition, except for one police officer who tragically succumbed to injuries upon reaching the hospital in Damaturu.
He added, “Reinforcement of troops from 29 Task Force Brigade led by the Brigade Commander are conducting a fighting patrol in the area to locate the terrorists who carried out the dastardly act.” Both affected vehicles, including one MRAP and one civilian escort vehicle, have been safely recovered. Injured victims are receiving treatment at the specialists’ hospital in Damaturu, while the deceased police officer’s body has been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary. Buba affirmed the commitment to locating and eliminating the terrorists responsible for the attack.