Troops of the Nigerian Army have recaptured Marte, a town in Borno State, from suspected members of the Islamic State in West African Province.
Army Director of Public Relations, Brig General Mohammed Yerima, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
“Yes, we have recaptured the area,” Yerima said.
The development comes two days after the Chief of Army Staff, Maj General Ibrahim Attahiru, gave the soldiers 48 hours to recapture the town and other enclaves held by the insurgents.
Attahiru had, on Sunday, ordered the troops to clear areas around Marte, Chikingudo, Kirenowa, up to Kirta.
The COAS had also assured the soldiers that the necessary provisions would be made for all they needed to ensure satisfactory performance on the field.
“You must not let this nation down. Go back and do the needful and I will be right behind you,” he had said on Sunday.
Media reports indicated earlier on Tuesday that about 100 villagers in Marte were being held by the ISWAP fighters.
Military sources had disclosed that the captured villagers were being used by ISWAP as human shields against military offensives.
“The soldiers on ground are in close range, but airstrikes from the NAF air support have been put on hold to avoid casualties on the civilians held hostage,” a military source had said.
The Army spokesman further confirmed the development in a statement titled, “Troops recovered Marte killing scores of Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State in West African Province terrorists.”
According to the statement, “Troops of Nigerian Army troops this afternoon, around 3 pm, recovered New Marte and adjoining communities from the devilish 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 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.”