Nigerian troops intensify onslaught on Boko Haram bases

LAGOS, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian troops have enhanced their crackdown on Boko Haram bases in northeastern part of the country after killing several militants, a military spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Defense Headquarters Chris Olukolade said in statement reaching Xinhua that troops in a military operation spearheaded by highly coordinated air assaults have completed the mission of clearing terrorists from Monguno and environs this morning.

He said a number of terrorists as well as truck loads of rice, beans and other logistics meant for resupply to the terrorists operating around Baga have been captured in the course of operation.

According to him, casualty inflicted and arms recovered as well as other outcome of the operation in Munguno, Marte and other communities already secured, will be determined after the ongoing cordon and search in the environs.

The defense spokesperson added that the air and land operation is continuing with aggressive advance toward other designated communities and locations meant to be cleared in the ongoing offensive against the terrorists.

The latest onslaught against Boko Haram is coming on the heels of the agreement from regional leaders from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger to adopt a coordinated response to the threat posed by the deadly group which has killed about 13,000 people and displaced over one million others.

The military offensive by the three countries marks a new phase in the anti-terror war between Nigeria and its neighbors and may have set Boko Haram on the path of defeat in the captured border towns.

The African Union Peace and Security Council at its 484th meeting, held on Jan. 29 at the level of Heads of State and Government had also adopted a resolution to establish an initial 7, 500 troops to combat the Boko Haram insurgents. Enditem