The Nigerian military has regained control of Ngoshe town in Borno State after a tense operation against Boko Haram insurgents.
The development comes only days after a deadly attack forced soldiers to temporarily withdraw from the area.
Security sources confirmed that the Nigerian troops recapture Ngoshe operation was carried out with support from local security groups. Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), hunters, and vigilantes assisted the military during the mission.
The operation has drawn national attention because the insurgents had recently launched a brutal assault in the same community. During that attack, at least 14 soldiers and several civilians were killed.
According to a military source, the operation began after senior commanders reviewed the security situation in the area. The General Commanding Officer reportedly visited Pulka before troops were mobilised toward the deserted Ngoshe community.
About 200 soldiers were initially deployed to assess the security environment in the town.
However, the situation quickly changed after suspicious movement was noticed near the area.
“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 explained.
Meanwhile, military leaders quickly reorganised their strategy after receiving intelligence about the insurgents’ movements.
Security forces later launched another operation aimed at taking back the town completely.
The Nigerian troops recapture Ngoshe mission eventually succeeded after soldiers engaged the remaining insurgents in a gun battle.
According to the source, the Brigade Commander in Gwoza played a key role in coordinating support for the operation.
“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,” the source said.
Last week, terrorists launched an assault on the community, killing 14 soldiers and several civilians.
During the attack, more than 100 women and children were reportedly abducted.
Moreover, reports indicate that several high-ranking military officers have recently been killed during separate attacks.
Daily Trust reported that at least three commanding officers, who held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, were killed in Borno in recent incidents.
In addition, several soldiers were also killed while trying to repel insurgent assaults.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence leadership has begun reviewing strategies to address the renewed attacks.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Minister of Defence, Chris Musa, summoned service chiefs to Abuja for an emergency meeting.
The meeting focused on strengthening military operations against Boko Haram and other armed groups.
Speaking briefly before the meeting moved behind closed doors, the minister acknowledged the recent losses suffered by security forces.
“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star General said.
However, authorities say operations will continue to ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
