African Allies Claim Gains Against Boko Haram

Backed by air strikes, Nigerian troops have reclaimed the towns of Monguno and Marte from Boko Haram. Other allies also claim gains against the terrorists.

Cameroon states that its army has killed more than 80 Boko Haram soldiers and arrested 1,000 of their supporters. On Monday Niger also claimed that 160 people with links to Boko Haram have arrested since 6 February. Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger recently formed a military coalition against the Islamist militants.

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 In recent months, Boko Haram had seized control of much of Nigeria's northeast, amid widespread criticism of the Nigerian army. However, backed by its neighbours, especially Chad, some territory has been recaptured in recent weeks.

According to a spokesperson for Cameroon's defence ministry, five soldiers were killed in the recent clashes with Boko Haram.

The US also supports the African allies in the struggle. An official from the US Africa Command said that they would provide Nigeria with training and equipment to combat Boko Haram.

Lt-Gen Steven Hummer said that the Africa Command was ready to assist in whatever way Nigeria sees as being practical.

However, he did not clarify how much support Nigeria could expect to receive. A senior US official said that there were also worries over the lack of political will to defeat Boko Haram.

Source: Legit.ng