The Army declared yesterday that it never lost control of Baga in northern Borno, dismissing reports that Boko Haram insurgents overran the area.
The Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, told reporters in Maiduguri that troops successfully repelled an insurgents’ attack and secured Baga and its environs.
“Baga, as I speak with you, is not in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents. They contested it, but lost the battle in the last 24 hours of attacks on our base,” he said.
He added: “We have taken control of Baga. I am talking about the position of Baga as at yesterday when we stabilised the situation.
”Our troops have taken control of Baga town and its environs.”
But The Nation confirmed that hundreds of Baga residents including women and children have fled in droves to Maiduguri following the battle in the town.
It was also gathered that road transport fares from Baga to Maiduguri have been hiked by more than 50% following the development.
It now costs a minimum of N10000 per head.
Some earlier reports said Boko Haram insurgents had overrun the fishing town on Nigeria’s border with Chad and Niger Republics, and hoisted their flags, a situation which forced the inhabitants to flee.
Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the insurgents on Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018; attacked the 7 Brigade, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), based in the town at about 7:00 pm.
“The troops along with their Nigerian Navy counterparts put up a very determined fight to repel the attack throughout the night, while Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE sent in reinforcement who are in hot pursuit of the terrorists.
“Similarly, a Search and Rescue team has been constituted.
“The Nigerian Air Force component has also been mobilised and are engaging the fleeing terrorists. Unfortunately; a naval personnel was killed in action.”
