B’Haram: We’ve recaptured Adamawa towns, says military

Nigeria Defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade

The Special Forces have recaptured some communities which fell into the control of the Boko Haram Islamic sect last week.

It was learnt that the troops of the Nigeria Army captured Gombi, Hong and Pelia and were in control of the areas.

A statement posted on the twitter handle of the Nigerian military on Wednesday stated that that some of the insurgents were killed in confrontations, while many had been arrested.

It was further stated that the soldiers had recovered some arms and ammunition from the captured insurgents.

The statement added that efforts were ongoing to rid the communities in the area of terrorists’ presence.

“Many terrorists are being captured as some die; weapons and equipment are also being recovered. Mopping up operation is going on in the area even now.

“Our troops are in full control of Gombi, Pelia and Hong as operations to clear the area of infested terrorists continue,” the tweets read.

A security source, who confided in our correspondent on Wednesday, said that the military authorities had carried out a huge deployment of personnel for the mission to liberate the communities in the area.

It was added that the military also deployed heavy military hardware, like the Armoured Personnel Carriers, armoured tanks and attack helicopter gunships to ensure sustained patrol in the area.

Also, there are unconfirmed reports that the soldiers were interrogating a lecturer (name withheld) of the College or Education, Hong, Adamawa State, for having questionable links with the Boko Haram.

The source said that the lecturer, who came from the Department of Islamic Studies, was picked up by security agencies on Tuesday.

It was added that troops had advanced and Mararaba, Michika, through Mubi to carry out border patrol operations.

“There is heavy troops’ movement and also large number of armoured personnel carriers and tanks. Also, helicopter gunships have been deployed to patrol the general area.

“The troops have also arrested a lecturer of the College of Education, Hong. There are allegations that the man was the head of the Boko Hara in the area. He was arrested yesterday (Tuesday).

“The place is quiet now; the military recaptured Hong yesterday (Tuesday)….”