Boko Haram: Troops Take Back Rann After ISWAP Attack

Troops of the Nigerian Army has restored calm to Rann in Kala Balge LGA of Borno State, after an attack by members of the Islamic State in West Africa Province, ISWAP.

ISWAP fighters were said to have stormed the area on Monday and took over the community after sporadically shooting into the air to gain entrance.

Rann is understood to be the headquarters of Kala-Balge local government area and just about 350km from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Upon arrival in Rann, the ISWAP terrorists reportedly chased out the residents as well as the few security forces they met on ground according to sources that witnessed the incident.

They were said to have also gone ahead to burn military vehicles as well as the military base in the area.

But reports have now emerged that Theatre Commander, Major General Christopher Musa last night directed the troops to rescue the town.

Some local residents told PRNigeria on Tuesday that many residents have returned back to their homes.

It was gathered that the troops’ counter operation, was led by the Acting General Officer Commanding, GOC 7 Division, Brig. Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo.

“A serious gun battle among troops and the insurgents ensued lasting several hours. This, then forced the troops to technically withdraw from their base.

“But the terrorists met their waterloo after the troops engaged some of them who were fleeing. Many of them were killed, even as some of the terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds,” an intelligence officer disclosed.

ISWAP a former faction of the now degraded Boko Haram is reportedly engulfed in crisis after members of the Boko Haram insurgents are surrendering to troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to reports, Boko Haram insurgents are embracing the federal government’s amnesty programme in order to avoid punishment from ISWAP and demotion of its former commanders.