Boko Haram fighters on Monday launched a daring reprisal attack in Biita where nearly 100 of their members were killed by Nigerian troops between Saturday and Sunday.
Locals said the insurgents are now in control of Biita after troops withdrew from the area.
It is not clear how many people were killed even though the attackers have destroyed many buildings in the village, witnesses said.
Security sources and locals told our correspondent that over 350 insurgents, armed with rocket propelled grenades stormed out of the bushes and attacked the military formation in Biita.
A top security source said, “Yes, the terrorists re-mobilized and attacked Biita after the heavy casualty they recorded at the weekend. Our troops withdrew for strategic reasons only and not out of fear. Remember that we recorded a huge success on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.
David Isa, a local in Biita said the insurgents besieged the village in a convoy of over 35 vehicles and dozens of motorcycles well guarded by five armoured personnel carriers (APC).