The Nigerian military has successfully recaptured its Forward Operating Base in Ngoshe town, located in Gwoza, Borno State, following a renewed offensive against insurgents.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
The development comes days after Boko Haram terrorists attacked the town last week, killing 14 soldiers and several civilians.
During the assault, the insurgents also reportedly abducted more than 100 women and children, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the North-East.
A military source revealed to Daily Trust that troops initially mobilised to secure the area were forced to temporarily withdraw after detecting preparations for a large-scale counterattack by insurgents.
According to the source, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) had earlier visited Pulka, from where about 200 troops were mobilised into Ngoshe to assess the security situation.
The source said: “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.”
He added that the brigade commander in Gwoza later reassured the troops of additional support, leading to a renewed offensive.
“Today we were able to recapture Ngoshe after engaging the remaining insurgents in a gun battle,” the source said.
According to him, the town is now fully under the control of the military.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) on Wednesday summoned Nigeria’s service chiefs to Abuja following the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State.
During the meeting, the defence minister said the military leadership had agreed to review operational strategies to intensify the fight against insurgents.
“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star general stated before the meeting went into a closed-door session.
Security sources also disclosed that no fewer thanthree commanding officers with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were recently killed during attacks by terrorists in Borno.
Apart from the senior officers, scores of soldiers were also killed, while hundreds of civilians abducted during recent raids remain in captivity.