ABUJA - Nigerian ground forces backed by air strikes are fighting to reclaim Baga from Islamist militant group Boko Haram which seized the northeastern town and a nearby military base at the weekend, a government spokesman said on Friday.
"Since the first attack last weekend on Baga, security forces have been actively pursuing the militants," Mike Omeri said in a statement. "Security forces have responded rapidly, and have deployed significant military assets and conducted air strikes."
At least 100 people were killed when Boko Haram attacked Baga last weekend, according to the district head.
Witnesses who escaped to neighbouring towns and Borno state capital Maiduguri said the insurgents had razed many buildings and homes and killed dozens of civilians in subsequent raids this week.