Nigerian soldiers on Sunday foiled a Boko Haram attack on passengers along Maiduguri-Damaturu road.
The incident came a few minutes after the usual daily road closure was eased in the morning. Soldiers usually close the road in the evening by 5pm and open it at 7am every day
A security source said the soldiers engaged the terrorists who attempted to mount a road block around Mainok and Jakana communities in Borno state.
Jakana is about 41km from Maiduguri, Borno State capital, and has been attacked several times in the last 10 years.
The source said during the gun duel with terrorists, soldiers stopped the traffic along for about three hours.
The Borno State commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Abioye Babalola, confirmed the development.
He said the attack had been repelled and travellers had been escorted in a long convoy down to Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.
He said extra patrols have also been stationed along the road.
Boko Haram terrorists have made life a hell for travellers who ply that route.
21st Century Chronicle recalled that a newlywed bride was abducted along the route last week, but she was later released.
