Military Says It Has Captured Baga After Fierce Battle

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Saturday, February 21st, 2015

Nigeria’s army said it captured the northeastern town of Baga on Saturday from Boko Haram Islamist insurgents in fighting with “heavy casualties” inflicted on the militants.

“Troops have this afternoon captured Baga after fierce battle with terrorists,” Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said in posts on its Twitter account. “Mopping up ongoing.”

Boko Haram on Jan. 3 captured the headquarters of a multinational joint task force’s base in Baga, in northeastern Nigeria, which was set up to combat the insurgency.

They returned four days later, razing the town and neighboring Doron Baga and killing hundreds, according to Amnesty International.