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Nigerian troops recapture 10 towns from insurgents

Xinhua, February 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Nigerian troops have recaptured 10 towns in northeastern Adamawa State from Boko Haram insurgents, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

Mike Omeri, the coordinator of National Information Center (NIC) disclosed this in Abuja, the Nigerian capital while giving an update on troops operation in the restive northeast area.

He listed Hong, Mubi North, Mubi South, Michika, Shuwa, Wuro Gyambi, Gombi, Vimtim, Uba and Bazza in Adamawa State as the recaptured areas.

The coordinator, however, said Madagali, Gulak, Wagga-Mildo, Shelini/Vapra, Sabon-Gari and Gubla in Adamawa were still being held by the insurgents.

Other areas such as Kirchinga, Pallam and Mayo-wandu have remained calm and peaceful, Omeri said.

The spokesperson told reporters that troops have recaptured parts of Gujba and Gulani in neighboring Yobe State, which were hitherto also seized by the terrorists.

He said Mafa, Gamboru-Ngala, Mallam Fatori, Abadam and Marte in Borno had been recaptured by troops, who had been advancing to retake other areas held by the insurgents.

Omeri commended the troops for their determination and loyalty in defending Maiduguri, the capital of Borno which came under attack on Sunday and for gallantly repelling the terrorists.

He said the AU Peace and Security Council met on Monday in Cameroon to authorize and finalize the concept of operation for the 7,500 troops approved to fight the insurgents.

The insurrection by Boko Haram, which wants to create an Islamic state in mainly Muslim northern Nigeria, has claimed more than 10,000 lives in the past five years.

They have seized more than 20 towns and villages in the northeast in recent months.

The three northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe have witnessed several attacks by Boko Haram, a major security threat in Nigeria. The states are currently under an emergency rule.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is plagued by the insurgency of Boko Haram, a sect which seeks to enshrine the Islamic Sharia law in the constitution. Endi