A local government headquarters in Borno captured by Boko Haram has been retaken by troops, it was said on Tuesday.
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, told our correspondent 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.
In January 2017, the Air Force shelled and killed a large number of civilians, mistaking them for marauding Boko Haram fighters.
