Nigerian troops have recaptured a forward operating base in Ngoshe town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State following a fierce operation against the insurgents of Boko Haram.
The operation, conducted by the military in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local vigilantes, and hunters, restored control of the strategic community after a deadly terrorist attack last week.
The insurgents had earlier overrun the military position, killing at least 14 soldiers and several civilians, while abducting more than 100 women and children during the assault.
A military source familiar with the operation said the General Officer Commanding had earlier visited Pulka and mobilized about 200 troops to assess the situation in the deserted town.
According to the source, the troops initially withdrew after spotting a large number of insurgents preparing for a counterattack.
“At least 60 soldiers were left behind, but they later retreated to Pulka when they noticed the movement of a large number of terrorists planning a counterattack,” the source said.
He added that reinforcements were later coordinated from Gwoza.
“The brigade commander of Gwoza met us in Pulka and assured support. Today (Wednesday), we were able to recapture Ngoshe after engaging the remaining insurgents in a gun battle,” the source said.
The source confirmed that the community is now firmly under military control.
“The town is fully under the control of the military,” he added.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over rising insurgent attacks across the North-East region.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, summoned the nation’s service chiefs to Abuja for an emergency meeting to review the country’s security strategy.
Speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door session, the minister acknowledged recent losses but insisted that the military was inflicting heavier casualties on the insurgents.
“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” he said.
Recent attacks in Borno State have reportedly claimed the lives of at least three commanding officers holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel, along with several other soldiers, while hundreds of civilians abducted during the attacks are believed to still be in captivity.
