After two days of fierce fighting, Boko Haram insurgents this afternoon threw in the towel and surrendered control of Bama to brave Nigerian troops.

Bama is the strategically important town located 70 kilometres south-east of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State in Nigeria’s North-East.

As reported last night by News Express, the terrorists had seen the handwriting on the wall on Saturday, when they told Bama residents of to evacuate before setting fire to many homes as Nigerian troops advanced determinedly to retake the town, forcing the residents to flee.

A source close to Defence Headquarters told News Express minutes ago: “Nigerian troops have taken over Bama this afternoon.”

A formal announcement is expected in this regard.

•Photo shows Nigerian troops sweeping a cave for mines laid by fleeing terrorists.