Nigerian troops have recaptured a forward operating base in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following a fierce operation against Boko Haram insurgents.
The operation, carried out by the military in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local vigilante groups 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 (GOC) had earlier visited Pulka where he mobilised 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 counter attack,” 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,” he 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 in the North-East.
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 the 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,” the retired four-star general said.
Recent attacks in Borno have reportedly claimed the lives of at least three commanding officers holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel, along with several other soldiers.
Security sources say hundreds of civilians abducted during the wave of attacks are still being held in captivity by the insurgents.
