The Nigerian Army has confirmed reports that its troops have re-captured Marte and other close communities in Borno State from Boko Haram fighters.
The army spokesperson, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima gave the information on the re-capture in a statement on Tuesday evening.
He disclosed that the troops recovered Marte from the terrorists around 3pm and a fierce battle which resulted in the killing of many insurgents.
Apart from ground assault on the terrorists, Yerima revealed that the army had air support from the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement reads: “Troops of Nigerian Army troops this afternoon, around 3pm, recovered New Marte and adjoining communities from the develish Boko Haram terrorists.
This is coming less than the 48 hours directive earlier given to the troops to recover the town by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru.
The troops backed by air cover from the Nigerian Air force , successfully charged through Marte town, destroying several Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) and landmines laced across their routes and killing scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and successfully recovered the town.
The gallant troops are currently in total control of the general area.”
Naija News had reported earlier that the deadly insurgents had hoisted their flag in parts of Marte LGA. The insurgents repeatedly attacked the local government last week and captured it.
On Sunday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru issued a 48-hour deadline for the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to recapture Marte from Boko Haram terrorists.
He also directed them to reclaim Kirenowa, Kirta, Wulgo, Chikingudo, and many other communities around Marte and Ngala local government areas.
Meanwhile, some parts of the Borno State capital, Maiduguri on Tuesday evening experienced heavy explosions as well as sounds of multiple gunshots.
The sounds which were heard around Giwa military barracks reportedly started at about 5:45 pm and were still being heard as at the time of filing this report.
According to sources quoted by Vanguard, the gunshots, explosions, and sounds were caused by the clash between the military and armed insurgents attempting to overrun the city.