The Nigerian Army has on Tuesday announced the recovery of the Marte Local Government of Borno State and other communities recently captured by Boko Haram terrorists.
This was disclosed in a statement made by the army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima.
It was previously reported that at least seven Nigerian soldiers were confirmed dead after
an ambush by the terrorists.
The soldiers were ambushed at the ASC21/153TF battalion in Marte Local Government Council of the state, military sources confirmed.
More prominent sources stated concerning the ambush that the troops were overwhelmed and could not withstand the superior firepower of the terrorists.
The unit was then dislodged and was moved to the Dikwa Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Yerima said the territories were recovered in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.
“The troops killed some of the terrorists and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IED), land mines, and other dangerous equipment”, he said.
“Troops of Nigerian Army troops this afternoon, around 3 p.m., recovered New Marte and adjoining communities from the devilish Boko Haram terrorists. This is coming less than the 48 hours directive earlier given to the troops to recover the town by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru.
“The troops backed by air cover from the Nigerian Air Force, successfully charged through Marte town, destroying several Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) and landmines laced across their routes and killing scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and successfully recovered the town.
“The gallant troops are currently in total control of the general area. Details soon,” the statement said.
Despite aggressive barraging on areas inhabited by Boko Haram terrorists, the insurgents have continued attacking soft targets and army lines in swathes of the northeast.
The Boko haram insurgency has continued for more than a decade. The group, which is seeking an Islamic state within the country and abhors western education, has led to the loss of the lives of thousands of Nigerians and the displacement of thousands more in the Northern region of the country.
(Franktalk)
