3 Soldiers Killed, Others Wounded As Troops Storm Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest

Three soldiers of the Nigerian Army have been killed and some others wounded as the military continues its offensive into the notorious Sambisa forest to rout out members of the Boko Haram terror group.

One officer and two others were said to have been injured during the operation that led to the destruction of the terrorists camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.

The army in a statement said that it was embarking on a full scale war on the terrorists, adding that it has deployed various units of soldiers who have advanced deep into the forest, cleared most of the terrorist camps, recovered various arms and rescued persons held captive. It also said it has arrested some members of the terrorists group who are now leading the soldiers to their strongholds.

Items recovered from the terrorists include foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Other things discovered include tunnels, weapons and equipment, 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram.

While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance, acting director, army public relations, Colonel Sani Usman, said.

Usman, in the statement, 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 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”.

According to him, “During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated. However, a soldier sustained gun shot wound and fracture on the leg.

“While advancing to destroy Nefari terrorists camp, troops discovered and cleared 3 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.

“It is instructive to note that the troops’ morale is very high and being conscious of their set objective, they are unrelenting in their determination to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.

“In a related development, troops have also destroyed Boko Haram terrorists camps Bulagaije and Disa, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State and recovered motorcycles, dane guns and ammunitions.”