What's the true situation in Bama? Did soldiers really conquer Boko Haram?

This is quite confusing. The Nigerian military and the presidency is claiming that Boko Haram didn't capture Bama yesterday, which is contrary to what many media sources including Sahara Reporters, AIT, Channels, BBC and Punch are reporting. According to Nigerian military, the Nigerian Armed Forces chased out Boko Haram from Bama town yesterday and even killed 59 insurgents but according to Punch today, I80 people were killed yesterday during the battle with the insurgents.

They said the spokesman of the youth vigilante in the town, Barr. Jubrin Gonda, made this revelation. And according Channels TV, residents said the insurgents have gained control of the town. Witnesses say after the initial military intervention in repelling the attack. The sect members re-grouped and launched a successful attack on the town which they say is presently under the control of the sect.


The reports from Channels TV

A military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the military, says the soldiers on ground did their best in repelling the first attack but ran out of ammunition as there was no reinforcement for subsequent operation.

“I can confirm to you that the soldiers on ground did their best in repelling the first attack but we ran out of ammunitions and it will not be a surprise if they have eventually taken control of the town

“We needed immediate reinforcement but nothing came and I can categorically tell you that there is sabotage somewhere,” the army officer said.

He said the foot soldiers were willing to end the insurgency but lacked needed support.

Report says the insurgents also launched an attack on Mongonu town which also has a military barracks like that of Bama.

The Bama military barracks last year suffered attack by the dreaded sect members, as part of the barracks was vandalised during the attack.

At the moment, Madagali in Adamawa State, as well as Gwoza, Pulka and now Bama of Borno State are under the control of the dreaded sect members the Boko Haram.

President Goodluck Jonathan had in July requested for immediate approval of one billion dollars external borrowing by the National Assembly to tackle insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria’s north-east.

In a letter to the Senate, read by the President, David Mark, President Jonathan said the money would be used to upgrade the equipment of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

President Jonathan stressed that there was an urgent need to upgrade the equipment, training and logistic of the country’s Armed Forces and Security services to enable them confront the serious threat posed by Boko Haram sect more forcefully.

The loan has not been approved.