A false alarm over the alleged approach of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists caused members of the Forest Guards to open sporadic fire in Katarko community, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, security sources have said.

The sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident, reported belatedly, occurred at about 6:55 p.m. on June 23.

According to the sources, troops of the 198 Special Forces Battalion responded after receiving reports of gunfire from members of the Forest Guards who had recently been deployed to the community.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the shooting had been triggered by a false alarm over an unconfirmed number of suspected ISWAP terrorists allegedly approaching the town on motorcycles.

The troops promptly calmed the situation and disarmed some of the agitated Forest Guards to prevent further indiscriminate firing.

A total of 191 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were expended during the incident.

The sources confirmed that no casualties or damage were recorded, while normalcy has since been restored to the area. (Zagazola)