#News: Nigeria 'takes town' from Boko Haram

[BBC]

 Bama is significant as it is close to the state capital Maiduguri and has witnessed some of the worst violence during this insurgency, the BBC's Will Ross reports from Lagos.

The town was attacked several times by the jihadists before it was captured six months ago, our correspondent says.

Boko Haram fighters were forced to flee towards the border with Chad, the Nigerian military said, adding that it was now up to the Chadian military to pursue them.

In a separate development, Gen Olukolade tweeted to say Goniri had been regained on Monday.

Nigeria and several of its neighbours recently launched an offensive against the militants.

Officials say Boko Haram no longer controls any urban centres in Yobe and Adamawa - two out of the three worst affected states in the north-east.

Gen Olukolade also pledged that Borno would soon be freed.

 Boko Haram at a glance:

 

• Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education
• Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language
• Launched military operations in 2009 to create an Islamic state
• Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria
• Has also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja
• Abducted hundreds, including at least 200 schoolgirls
• Controls several north-eastern towns
• Launched attacks on neighbouring states

What Boko Haram left behind in Baga

Why is Boko Haram so strong?

IS shaping Boko Haram media

   
Source: BBC