Boko Haram: Again, troops hit Sambisa forest

Troops of the Nige­rian Army have com­menced strikes deep inside the Sambisa forest in Borno State, believed to be the remaining stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists.

A statement issued yesterday by the Nigerian Army through its Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said scores of terrorists were killed and others ar­rested during the strikes.

Regrettably, the DAPR said three soldiers also died while some were severely in­jured during the encounter.

Usman further said cap­tives were rescued, camps destroyed and several weap­ons destroyed while others were seized.

This is coming at a time the Presidential deadline to end Boko Haram in three months by December is fast approaching.

Already, some citizens and groups have begun to express doubts on the abil­ity of the military to achieve this deadline.

However, in the state­ment, Usman said, “Various units of the Army have ad­vanced deep into the forest, clearing most of the camps therein, rescuing persons held captive, arresting some terrorists and destroying most of their weapons and equipment.

“Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terror­ists’ camps at Shuari, Adem­be, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere. Additionally, the Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorists’ camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa, as well as several other camps.

“The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) mate­rials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were terrorists’ tunnels, weapons and equipment.

“The soldiers also recov­ered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captive by the Boko Haram.”

He said while the animals have been moved to Kan­wuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and were being given all neces­sary support.

During the encounter with Boko Haram at Yeri­mari Gana, he said a num­ber of the terrorists were killed while some suspected members were arrested and are being interrogated.

“However, a soldier sus­tained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

“Similarly, while advanc­ing to destroy Nefari terror­ist camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route.

“The camp was success­fully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible es­cape by the terrorists.

“Unfortunately, during another encounter with the terrorists along the axis of advance, three soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while an officer and two sol­diers were wounded in ac­tion,” he said.

In spite of these, Usman said the troops’ morale was very high and being con­scious of their set objective, they were unrelenting in their determination to de­feat the terrorists.

In a related development, he said the troops also de­stroyed Boko Haram terror­ist camps at Bulagaije and Disa, Gwoza Local Govern­ment Area, Borno State, and recovered motorcycles, dane guns and ammuni­tion.

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