Security Forces Raid Sambisa Forest, Kill Over 200 Insurgents

FILE PHOTO

In a major offensive against members of the Boko Haram sect, Security Forces in the past few days have killed over 200 suspected insurgents, who had taken refuge in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

According to sources in security circles, the offensive was carried out by hundreds of operatives drawn from the army and the air force, in close collaboration with the State Security Service (SSS) and the police.

The raid reportedly led to the destruction of many minor and satellite camps as well as enclaves of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The operation was described as a “major feat” by the military since the commencement of the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States almost 10 month ago.

The combat effectiveness of the Nigerian military was called to question after members of the terrorist sect appeared to have been having a free-reign in their campaign of terror despite the state of emergency in place in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

But sources close to the recent operations and villagers said the clampdown on the insurgents was on-going, pointing out that it was however, yielding the desired results.

“Like never before, resources and manpower have been mobilized to volatile areas in Bama, Gwoza and Damboa local governments of Borno State, as well as around Gulani and Gujba local governments in Yobe State”, a security source said.

All the areas mentioned above have routes that lead to the Sambisa Forest, which prior to the beginning of the military onslaught against the sect, was its biggest hideout.

“This is a critical moment of our operation but we are making headway. The Sambisa (forest) is an unpredictable place. The terrorists have occupied it, dug countless tunnels and camps.

“But we have got the architecture of the place, effectively cleared most camps around it and we are tactically routing out the assailants”, the source, who pleaded anonymity, said.