By Ọmọsọla Olumide
Nigerian troops have reportedly killed several terrorists and successfully recaptured their forward operations base in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, following a coordinated military offensive.
The operation was carried out by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local vigilantes, and hunter groups who joined forces to reclaim the strategic location from insurgents.
The development comes days after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the area last week, killing 14 soldiers and several civilians, while abducting more than 100 women and children.
According to a military source, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) had earlier visited Pulka on Friday, where about 200 troops were mobilized to move into the deserted Ngoshe town for assessment.
“At least 60 soldiers were left behind in Ngoshe, but they later withdrew to Pulka after noticing the movement of a large number of terrorists preparing for a counterattack.
“The Brigade Commander in Gwoza later met us in Pulka and assured us of reinforcement. Today (Wednesday), we launched another offensive and successfully recaptured Ngoshe after a fierce gun battle with the remaining insurgents,” the source said.
He confirmed that the town is now fully under the control of the Nigerian military.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Chris Musa, had earlier summoned Service Chiefs to Abuja over the renewed wave of terrorist attacks in Borno State.
Reports indicate that no fewer than three Commanding Officers with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel were recently killed in separate attacks, alongside several soldiers, while hundreds of abducted civilians remain in captivity.
Speaking before the meeting went into a closed-door session, the Defence Minister said the military leadership had agreed to review current strategies to intensify operations against the insurgents.
“We are aware of the casualties recorded, but the losses are heavier on the side of the terrorists. We will review our approach and go harder on them,” he stated.
As troops regain control of Ngoshe and continue offensive operations in Borno, security experts say stronger intelligence, better equipment, and improved coordination with local communities will be crucial in protecting both soldiers and civilians from further attacks.
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