Nigerian soldiers recapture Bama, kill 50 Boko Haram militants

Nigerian troops have recaptured Bama in Borno State from the Boko Haram insurgents and blocked the Islamist militants’ advance towards the state capital, Maiduguri.

The soldiers equally killed no fewer than 50 of the insurgents, according to a senior military official, who spoke on Monday.


According to him, government forces are also fighting a southwards push into neighbouring Adamawa State by the terrorist group, which has recently departed from its usual hit-and-run tactics and started to seize towns and territory.

On Monday, the Defence Headquarters said more than 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed with the Nigerian troops recording three casualties.

“Over 50 terrorists died yesterday (Sunday) afternoon as troops raided their hideout in Kawuri before setting out on a planned attack on Konduga,” it said in a statement released on its website.

It added, “One fabricated artillery gun, two anti-aircraft gun, an armoured vehicle and assorted types of ammunition were captured in the process. Some hardware, weapons, food items and personal belongings were also destroyed in the raid.

“One officer and two soldiers were seriously wounded.”

The government source said insurgents had been driven from Bama, which is southeast of Maiduguri.

Government warplanes have bombed and strafed the militants after they stormed Bama last week.

“Bama has been recaptured by the soldiers and I can confirm to you Maiduguri is safe,” the official in Abuja told Reuters.

A market trader from Bama, Babagana Modu, also confirmed that soldiers were in control of the town, as government planes struck at Boko Haram positions in the surrounding area.