Scores Killed As Soldiers Liberate Michika

There are strong indications that the Nigerian Military have over-run
the Boko Haram sect and liberated Michika and Gulak in the Madagali
Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The two towns had been under the control of Boko Haram insurgents
since September 7, this year.

A source, while speaking to correspondents on the telephone, said
following the fierce fighting between the military and the insurgents,
the soldiers crushed the sect and took control of the towns.

According to the source, "I can confirm to you authoritatively that
the military are advancing towards Madagali after taking over Michika
and Gulak."

The source, who spoke from Michika, on Monday, noted that despite the
military bombardment, the insurgents tried to regroup at the
Government Technical College, Michika on Sunday night but they were
dislodged by the soldiers.

Though efforts to get the reaction of the Army Public Relations
Officer of the 23rd Army Brigade Yola, Capt. Nuhu Jabaru, proved
abortive as his GSM line was not reachable, the Adamawa State Acting
Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, confirmed the development.

Fintiri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Solomon
Kumangar, commended the military for liberating the two local
government areas overrun by the militants in the past one month.

He said the liberation of Michika and the other towns was a welcome development.

Reports indicated that about 200 insurgents had been killed in the
latest offensive as Boko Haram insurgents were forced to beat a
retreat when troops routed them from Michika town.

"The Nigerian troops have gained entry into Michika and Gulak and are
now fully in control of the towns after they dealt a severe blow to
the insurgents, who lost about 200 members while some escaped with
gunshot injuries," the source said.

He added that the insurgents came through Uba and attacked the
Nigerian troops who had already advanced into Michika but were
repelled immediately.

"The gallant Nigerian soldiers were attacked from behind by the
militants but the soldiers engaged them in a fierce battle for over
five hours and eventually overpowered them," the source said.

However, there are reports that the members of the Boko Haram sect
have launched another attack on some communities in Adamawa State
after they fled Michika.

It was gathered that some of the insurgents evaded the fighter jets of
the Nigerian Air Force and went to hide in two buildings and an EYN
Church but were bombed by the military inside the buildings.

"The Boko Haram today entered Madagali, and Michika, but the soldiers
cleared them; they also bombed the two houses and a church (EYN) where
the Boko Haram went to hide," the source said.

However, the source said that the insurgents moved into the hometown
of the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Boni Hanura,
Kuburshawshaw, and killed about 70 people.

The insurgents were also said to have raided two other towns, Watu and
Garta, before they were forced to withdraw in the direction of Gwoza
by troops.

The report was not confirmed.
When PUNCH correspondent contacted the Director of Defence
Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, he said that the Madagali and
Michika axis remained areas of the ongoing military operation in the
North-East.