At least 35 Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest have been killed in fresh onslaught by the Nigerian troops.
The terrorists were routed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai and 199 special forces battalion in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)
The Sambisa Forest in Borno state has been the target of major security operations, as it is said to provide a major cover for terrorists.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, focused on the Lake Chad region, that the troops made the unprecedented foray into Boko Haram hideouts, in line with efforts to completely eliminate the insurgents operating along the fringes of the forest.
The sources said the “clearance operation” began from Awulari on April 17 and progressed further into other identified insurgents’ camps around Garno and Alafa.
The sources added that the troops overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower and killed 18 of them.
However, a member of CJTF was said to have died during the gun duel.
The troops further “stormed and cleared Izzah and Farisu on April 19”, where they “ferociously engaged dozens of the resisting terrorists in a heavy gunbattle”.
“The troops overpowered the terrorists after about 30 minutes of gun battle, killing 18 of them and recovered several motorcycles, AK 47 rifles and an anti-aircraft gun.”
Zagazola said the troops further moved to Farisu where they eliminated an additional eight terrorists.
The publication further said three terrorists were killed by the troops in Alafa including one commander simply identified as “Salafi”, while two motorcycles were recovered.
“On April 20, in Ukuba, the ground troops made contact with another set of the insurgents, killing seven, while others escaped with bullet wounds. The troops recovered one truck and two 122 artillery guns.
“The gallant troops moved further to clear Garin Glucose where they neutralised additional two terrorists while other terrorists hastily withdrew and avoided making contact with the approaching troops.”
The sources told the publication that the troops “successfully” cleared terrorists’ hideouts in Garno, Alafa, Alafa D, Garin Doctor, Njumia, Izzah, Farisu, Somalia, Ukuba, Garin Glucose, Garin Ba’aba, and Bula Abu Amir communities in Bama LGA in Borno state.
Some women that were held captive by the insurgents were said to have been rescued.
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