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."
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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.