The Nigerian Army has successfully recaptured its forward operating base in Ngoshe town, located in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following a coordinated military operation.
According to reports by Daily Trust, the operation was carried out in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as local vigilantes and hunters who supported the troops in the mission.
The development comes days after insurgents from Boko Haram launched a deadly attack on the town last week, killing 14 soldiers and several civilians while abducting more than 100 women and children.
A military source revealed that earlier on Friday, the General Commanding Officer (GOC) visited Pulka and mobilized about 200 troops into the previously deserted Ngoshe town to assess the situation.
After the initial assessment, at least 60 soldiers were stationed in the area. However, they later retreated to Pulka after noticing the movement of a large group of terrorists believed to be preparing a counterattack.
“The brigade commander of Gwoza met us in Pulka and assured us of full 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 Nigerian military.
Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, had summoned the country’s Service Chiefs to Abuja following the recent resurgence of terrorist attacks in the region.
Speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door session, Musa disclosed that the military leadership had agreed to review its strategies in order to intensify operations against the terrorists.
“We know we have recorded some casualties, but it is more on the side of the terrorists,” the retired four-star general said.
Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of cngblog.com or any employee thereof.