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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