Contrary to reports, Boko Haram has not taken full control of Bama, the Borno State Government said late yesterday.

One of the state’s most important cities, Bama is a border town with Cameroon, and 78 kilometres east of Maiduguri, the state capital and one of the commercial towns of the state bordering Gwoza, which has since been under the control of the insurgents.

Reports had it that Boko Haram insurgents reinforced and tookover the town on Tuesday after initially being repelled by Nigerian troops.

News Express sought the reaction of Defence Spokesman, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, yesterday evening but he kept silent.

Defence Headquarters had in a tweet on onday announced more rapid airstrike on the insurgents and firce battle by ground troops, repelling and inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists.

Clearing the air last night, the Borno State Government assured that Bama has not fallen into the hands of terrorists and is not fully captured. It said that the military was currently battling to contain the terrorists and that Boko Haram’s attacks were being repelled.

•Photo shows a Nigerian soldier battling insurgents in the troubled Borno State.