THE FINAL PUSH TO RECLAIM BAMA FROM BOKO HARAM

Troops were said to have gained access yesterday to “push in” against the insurgents.

More fighter jets and sophisticated equipment were deployed in the town, Borno State’s second largest and 67 kilometres to Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Brigade Commander of Mohammed Kur Barracks, the Police  Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Commandant of MOPOL 53 in Bama have relocated to Maiduguri to re-strategise.

Telephone services have gone dead in Bama and its environs following massive destruction of GSM masts in the area and surrounding villages by the insurgents.

A source, said: “From the reports available to us, the troops have recorded what strategically we call a ‘push in’ to reclaim the town.

“This means that the military has gained access on land and confronting the insurgents. Very soon, the game will change.

“The priority now is to regain the control of the army formation in Bama because these insurgents invaded the barracks and targeted the armoury.

“They also attacked the police units and sacked these places leaving officers and men to beat a ‘tactical retreat’ to regroup for counter-attacks.

Another source said: “We have been engaging the insurgents in air and land encounters since Tuesday. The troops have succeeded in killing many insurgents who are still resilient but they will soon fall.

“The Brigade Commander, Police Area Commander, DPO and Commandant of MOPOL 53 in Bama have moved to Maiduguri to coordinate the counter-attacks, which are yielding results.

“Until we have fully regained Bama, the military has decided not to talk. It will want to present all evidence of the heroic feats of the troops to Nigerians.

More fighter jets and sophisticated equipment were yesterday deployed in Bama.

The aerial bombardments has been intense in the last 24 hours with more fighter jets, it was learnt.

Troops are said to have got “new and sophisticated” weapons for the battle. “They only need commitment to use the weapons appropriately,” a source said. The telephone service in Bama has been completely cut off because the insurgents destroyed most GSM masts in all the villages and points leading to Bama.

Another source added: “The whole situation in Bama is confusing because there is no more telephone service. The insurgents destroyed all GSM masts as part of the ongoing blockade of the area.

“Those in Maiduguri were able to communicate with few military officers, troops and security agents at the “battle front” through the Cameroonian MTN network which miraculously has assisted.

“So, we have to divert our call through Cameroon through a special link. So, you can imagine the terrible condition the people and residents of Bama are facing.”