14 Boko Haram extremists killed in Niger

14 Boko Haram extremists killed in Niger

At least 14 Takfiri Boko Haram militants have been killed in clashes with Nigerien army forces after an attack by the group in southeastern Niger.

According to a Saturday military report, Boko Haram raided “a village near Lake Chad on Friday night.”

“Seven Niger soldiers were killed and two others wounded” in the assault, the report said, adding, “Boko Haram lost 14 members.”

A Chadian security source, meanwhile, said that fighting occurred in Karouga, near the border dividing Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

The Takfiri militants are said to have later attempted to enter Chadian territory by crossing Lake Chad, but were confronted by Chadian aircraft, which destroyed their boats.

The military forces of Niger contribute to a regional coalition in the area against Boko Haram militants. The West African country has so far seen several attacks blamed on Boko Haram, whose militancy has spilled over the borders of Nigeria – where the group is based – into neighboring countries.

Nigeria’s recapture of Baga

The development came as Nigeria’s army said it has regained control of the town of Baga from Boko Haram, which had overrun the town more than a month ago.

Defense spokesman Chris Olukolade said that the fishing hub, located on the shore of Lake Chad in the far north of Borno State, northeast Nigeria, was recaptured on Saturday morning, and “a large number of terrorists” drowned in Lake Chad.

Nigeria’s military this week seized Monguno, a garrison town 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Baga.