Nigerian military recaptures more communities from Boko Haram

The Nigerian military on Friday said it has recaptured two more communities from Boko Haram militants in the North Eastern part of Nigeria after intense fighting.

The Defence Headquarters said Friday that government troops flushed out Boko Haram terrorists from Gulag, Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State, and Bara in Gulani LGA in neighbouring Yobe State.

The military also said assorted arms, ammunition and vehicles were recovered while others were destroyed during cordon and search operations in the communities.

“We have also flushed out Terrorists from #Gulag, #Madagali LGA HQ in #Adamawa state, earlier today.

#VictoryForNigeria. After 2 Days of intense operations, troops have finally routed terrorists from #BARA, Gulani LGA in Yobe,” the defence headquarters tweeted.

Other areas said to have been cleared include, Shikah, Fikayel, Tetebah, Buza, Kamla and Bumsa.

The announcement came two days after the Nigerian Army Chief, Kenneth Minimah, assured that troops would likely reclaim Madagali by the weekend, before targeting Gwoza in Borno State.

Mr. Minimah gave the hint while visiting Baga on Wednesday.

Baga and Monguno were recaptured in the last three weeks by the Nigerian armed forces as they apparently stepped up their campaign against the Boko Haram group. Mubi had earlier been retaken in November.

President Goodluck Jonathan visited Mubi and Baga on Thursday where he praised the soldiers for their effort in recapturing the seized territories.

He assured the soldiers that they would be duly rewarded for their bravery and patriotic service to the nation at the successful conclusion of ongoing operations against Boko Haram.

The President said that with their recent successes, which have overwhelmingly turned the tide against Boko Haram, the Nigerian military has proven beyond any doubt that it remains fully capable of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Mr. Jonathan, who was accompanied on the trip by the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and all the Service Chiefs, assured the troops that the Federal Government would ensure they received all the equipment and logistics they require to complete the ongoing mission to reassert government’s effective control over all areas formerly held by Boko Haram.