20 policemen Still Missing After Boko Haram Attack

Abuja - Twentypolice officers are still missing
three weeks after Boko Haram fighters attacked a
training academy outside the remote north-
eastern town of Gwoza, the country's police chief
said on Tuesday.
Inspector General Suleiman Abba told reporters
that police would "not relent in the efforts of
tracing them".
Initially, police said 35 officers were missing after
the attack on 21 August. Abba said some had
since returned, without explaining how.
"We have been able to trace some of the officers
who have reported back to their bases. Some
have even reported back to their families," he
said.
Boko Haram Islamists attacked the police
academy near Gwoza in Borno state two weeks
after they seized the town and declared it part of
an Islamic caliphate they are seeking to establish.
Also Read: People flee advancing Boko Haram
fighters
They went on to capture Bama, 50km to the north
on 1 September, killing scores of people.
The government, which has faced criticism for its
failure to effectively confront the militants, said
on Tuesday it was fighting back successfully.
"Only this morning it was reported that the
military is in total and firm control of Bama,"
government spokesperson Mike Omeri told
reporters.
"Consistent effort is ongoing to ensure that firm
control is taken of areas that are being challenged
by insurgent actions."
Boko Haram is blamed for more than 10 000
deaths since 2009 and has repeatedly targeted
the police and military.
It is believed to be in control of large swathes of
Borno, its historic stronghold, as well as towns
and villages in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe.
The three states have been under emergency rule
since May last year.