The Chadian government has sent 2000 troops to neighboring Niger this week to aid prepare a counterattack in the Nigerien town of Bosso after insurgents took over the town in a deadly clash.
About 30 soldiers were killed in the clashes.
The militants’ onslaught forced 50,000 people to flee the area, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR.) The majority of them attempted to reach Toumour, about 30 kilometers west of the border town.
The terrorists reportedly torched military barracks, police facilities and looted shops during the terror campaign in the town. The ambush and looting came as Niger’s army was preparing to attack Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, which straddles Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
“We need to ensure that our troops occupy the area and that we do not leave any open land to Boko Haram, whatever the case may be. This is a commitment. Since Boko Haram acts within their means, we must act with what we have. We can do it. I think we can at least protect our populations and territories,” said Chadian President, Idriss Deby.
Over 2 million people have been displaced and thousands have been killed during the group’s seven-year insurgency.