Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a successful operation conducted on Friday, killed three terrorists during a raid on Sambisa forest in Borno State. The operation also led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts within the forest.
Sambisa forest, initially designated as a game reserve by the colonial government, has become a stronghold for both Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
Despite previous clearance operations by the military in the forest, the terrorists continue to operate from there.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the troops neutralized three terrorists, including a suicide bomber, and dismantled their enclave in the Arra area of Sambisa Forest. Following the raid, two AK-47 rifles and a suicide vest were recovered.
Additionally, in a separate operation in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, one terrorist was killed, and their hideout was destroyed. The troops uncovered and dismantled another terrorist camp in the Buluwa Area of Kukawa Local Goveterrorist’, resulting in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and various other items.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the region, and will continue to conduct operations to ensure the safety and security of the populace.
The Defence Headquarters has affirmed the preparedness of troops deployed nationwide to address any threats, particularly as the Muslim faithful begin the Ramadan period. This assurance aligns with a statement from the Department of State Services, which urges citizens to remain vigilant against the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and extends felicitations to Christians for Lent and Muslims for the approaching Ramadan.