The Nigerian Army has successfully recaptured its Forward Operating Base in Ngoshe town, located in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Daily Trust, the operation was carried out with the support of members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as local vigilante and hunters’ groups.
The development comes days after Boko Haram insurgents reportedly killed 14 soldiers and several civilians during an attack on the area, while also abducting more than 100 women and children.
A military source disclosed that earlier on Friday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) visited Pulka and mobilised about 200 troops to the deserted Ngoshe town to assess the situation before departing.
About 60 soldiers were initially left behind in the town but later withdrew to Pulka after observing the movement of a large number of terrorists believed to be planning a counterattack.
“The brigade commander of Gwoza met us in Pulka and assured us of support. Today (Wednesday), we were able to recapture Ngoshe after engaging the remaining insurgents in a gun battle,” the source said.
He added that the town is now fully under the control of the military.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, earlier summoned the Service Chiefs to Abuja following the resurgence of terrorist attacks in parts of the country.
Speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door session, the minister said the security leadership had agreed to review existing strategies in order to intensify operations against the insurgents.
“We know we have recorded some casualties, but the losses are greater on the side of the terrorists,” he said.
