Nigerian military operating in the North-East had taken full control of Gombi, Pelia and Hong communities in Adamawa State.
The communities were overrun by Boko Haram insurgents recently, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people.
According to the Defence Headquarters on Wednesday:
“The Nigerian troops in their daring exploit have taken full control of more communities in Adamawa State, including Gombi, Pelia and Hong.
“The ongoing military operations in the North-Eastern Nigeria is to clear all areas infested by terrorists.’’
The statement also said that many terrorists were captured while some died during confrontation with the military.
“Weapons and equipment are also being recovered while mopping up exercise is ongoing in the areas’’, it added.
The army last week also retook Mubi, the second major town in the state, from the insurgents, with the aid of local hunters and civilian joint task force, a vigilante group.
The latest recapturing of Hong and Gombi, was also done with the help of the local hunters.
“Gombi and Hong have been liberated from Boko Haram by the combined effort of soldiers and our men,” said Phillip James, spokesman for the local hunters’ union in northeast Adamawa state.
“Boko Haram are on the run but soldiers and hunters are pursuing them,” he said.
Hundreds of troops backed by a large number of civilian vigilantes and local hunters chased the Boko Haram fighters out of the two towns.
The soldiers and the vigilantes backed by fighter jets stormed the towns on Monday and engaged the militants in a fierce gunfight Tuesday, killing several militants, according to residents.
At least 10 soldiers were killed in the fighting, they said.
The Islamists took over Gombi and Hong last Thursday after pushing out troops, forcing hundreds of residents to flee, while others remained trapped.
“Soldiers and vigilantes have taken back Gombi after serious fighting with Boko Haram,” said Gombi resident Salisu Mbar.
“The troops and vigilantes carried out ground offensive while military jets bombarded Boko Haram positions as they fled,” he stated.