The troops were yet to accomplish the mission at the time of filing this report last night, but there were fears that any delay in recovering the town would embolden the insurgents.
“There was an attempt to take back the barracks and Monguno town as a whole but the challenges are enormous,” a security source said, adding, “The fighter jets can only operate during the day and since the operation has not been completed yet, the effort will continue tomorrow.”
Another source said ground troops were inching towards Monguno. Meanwhile, some of the 1400 soldiers who retreated from Monguno on Sunday have alleged being denied access into any military facility in Maiduguri.
Many of them were seen along Baga road and the Post Office and some said that they were confused about what to do.
“We left Monguno after our Brigade Commander and many others were injured. As you can see, I got to Maiduguri with a vest because I had to remove my uniform but I am being denied entry into the 7 Division, I don’t know what that means,” he said.
Another one said, “They (superior officers) have refused to recognize us…I am waiting to see what will happen in the next two days before taking a decision. We did our best in Monguno and I think this should be appreciated. They should correct our mistakes, re-equip us and we will go back,” he said.
At least 15 soldiers were killed along with more than over 25 civilians in the town on Monday, a source said. Soldiers in Monguno said on Sunday they had fled because of the insurgents’ superior fire power.
National Security Advise Sambo Dasuki had said in his speech delivered to the British at Chatham house last week that Nigeria was on top of the situation after the Baga massacre and had sent troops to Monguno ahead of a mission to reclaim Baga. The Monguno attack came just days after his speech.
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