Troops of the Nigerian Army have retaken a local government headquarters in Borno State captured by Boko Haram, it was disclosed on Tuesday.
According to reports, Boko Haram, which has teamed up with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), attacked and took Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge council, after overrunning the military formation there and forcing residents to flee for safety in the woods.
But eight hours later, troops launched a counter offensive, hitting the terrorists from land and air until they abandoned the town and fled.
A security source, who did not want to be named, said that the terrorists were forced to “sneak out” of Rann.
“A fierce air support from the Air Force forced the terrorists to sneak out of Rann and our men are currently in control of the town,” the security source said.
A resident of the town said, “The terrorists did not sleep in the town; they were chased away by our gallant troops”.
The source confirmed that four persons, including a soldier and member of the civilian joint task force died in the battle.
This was not the first time Rann would be attacked by Boko Haram.
