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Nigerian army retakes Baga town from Boko Haram | Nigerian army retakes Baga town from Boko Haram |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Nigerian army has retaken the north-eastern town of Baga, held by Boko Haram militants since 3 January. | The Nigerian army has retaken the north-eastern town of Baga, held by Boko Haram militants since 3 January. |
In a tweet from its official account, the army said that "mopping up" operations were continuing. | In a tweet from its official account, the army said that "mopping up" operations were continuing. |
It also claimed in a separate statement that it had killed many Boko Haram militants, though this has not been independently verified. | It also claimed in a separate statement that it had killed many Boko Haram militants, though this has not been independently verified. |
Nigeria says 150 people died when Boko Haram took Baga and nearby Doron Baga, but locals said up to 2,000 died. | Nigeria says 150 people died when Boko Haram took Baga and nearby Doron Baga, but locals said up to 2,000 died. |
Residents were left largely undefended as the military deserted when the jihadists attacked the towns. | Residents were left largely undefended as the military deserted when the jihadists attacked the towns. |
This time, the army claims it was the militants who fled, with some drowning in Lake Chad as they tried to escape the aerial bombardment. | This time, the army claims it was the militants who fled, with some drowning in Lake Chad as they tried to escape the aerial bombardment. |
It added that 1,000 mines had been laid in Baga, which soldiers had to negotiate before entering. | It added that 1,000 mines had been laid in Baga, which soldiers had to negotiate before entering. |
The BBC's Will Ross in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, say other sources have confirmed that Boko Haram no longer control Baga. | The BBC's Will Ross in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, say other sources have confirmed that Boko Haram no longer control Baga. |
The massacre there is regarded as the worst attack of Boko Haram's six-year insurgency. Thousands fled across Lake Chad when the assault began with 7,000 taking refuge in the Chadian town of Ngouboua. | |
Boko Haram, which controls of much of Nigeria's north-east, has killed thousands of people in its drive to establish an Islamic state. | Boko Haram, which controls of much of Nigeria's north-east, has killed thousands of people in its drive to establish an Islamic state. |
In recent months it has also carried out cross-border raids in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, attacking villages and military bases. | In recent months it has also carried out cross-border raids in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, attacking villages and military bases. |
All three countries have joined Nigeria to form a military coalition against the Islamist militants. | All three countries have joined Nigeria to form a military coalition against the Islamist militants. |
Also on Saturday, Niger's army reported the deaths of 15 Boko Haram militants following clashes in an island on the Niger side of Lake Chad. | Also on Saturday, Niger's army reported the deaths of 15 Boko Haram militants following clashes in an island on the Niger side of Lake Chad. |
Seven Niger soldiers and one civilian also died in the attack. | Seven Niger soldiers and one civilian also died in the attack. |
The Baga massacre | The Baga massacre |
How the massacre unfolded | How the massacre unfolded |
It is not yet clear whether other armies were involved in the recapture of Baga. However, the Chadian army spokesperson said there had been no involvement from his country's troops. | It is not yet clear whether other armies were involved in the recapture of Baga. However, the Chadian army spokesperson said there had been no involvement from his country's troops. |
Chad has been carrying out attacks against Boko Haram deep inside Nigeria. | Chad has been carrying out attacks against Boko Haram deep inside Nigeria. |
The Nigerian army has been criticised by its failure to tackle the militant group, although it has recaptured some territory in recent weeks. | The Nigerian army has been criticised by its failure to tackle the militant group, although it has recaptured some territory in recent weeks. |
Last week, Nigeria retook the north-eastern towns of Monguno and Marte from the group. | Last week, Nigeria retook the north-eastern towns of Monguno and Marte from the group. |
Earlier this month, presidential elections were delayed for six weeks over security concerns. | Earlier this month, presidential elections were delayed for six weeks over security concerns. |
The electoral commission said it made the decision after the security agencies advised there would not be enough troops available to guarantee the safety of voters. | The electoral commission said it made the decision after the security agencies advised there would not be enough troops available to guarantee the safety of voters. |
President Goodluck Jonathan says the election will take place on 28 March. However, opponents say they fear Mr Jonathan, who is running for a second term, will use the delay to hold on to power. | President Goodluck Jonathan says the election will take place on 28 March. However, opponents say they fear Mr Jonathan, who is running for a second term, will use the delay to hold on to power. |
Boko Haram at a glance | Boko Haram at a glance |
Why is Boko Haram so strong? | Why is Boko Haram so strong? |
Soldiers without weapons | Soldiers without weapons |