Nigerian army fights to take back areas seized by Boko Haram

Commander of the counter-insurgency operation in Nigeria’s northeast sub-region Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor said the troops reclaimed Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge district in Borno State and their adjoining areas last week, during military operations.

According to the army commander, one of the reclaimed areas served as “spiritual base” of the insurgents.

A total of 20 Boko Haram fighters were killed during the military operations which also led to the rescue of 250 civilians held hostage by the militant group, he said.

Troops also cleared other Boko Haram camps in Algarno, a major hideout of Boko Haram, he added.

Following the reclaiming of these two strong areas hitherto under the control of Boko Haram, Nigeria is now in control of 21 out of the 22 areas earlier taken over by the insurgent group two years ago.

With the latest development, the Nigerian government said it is winning the war against terrorism and has “technically defeated” Boko Haram.

Source: Xinhua