Three terrorists were slain by Nigerian Army troops on Friday during a raid on Borno State’s Sambisa forest.
Additionally, the soldiers demolished terrorist hideouts in the forest.
The colonial government designated Sambisa Forest as a game reserve, but terrorists from the West African Province now use it as a base for both Boko Haram and the Islamic State.
The terrorists continue to operate out of the forest despite multiple military clearance operations.
A statement on Saturday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu noted that after destroying the terrorists’ camp in the forest, two AK-47s and a suicide vest were recovered.
The statement read, “Nigerian Army troops deployed to the North East as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations on Friday, March 8, 2024, conducted a successful raid operation on a terrorists’ camp in the Arra area of Sambisa Forest.
“During the operation, the troops gallantly neutralised three terrorists, including a suicide bomber, and destroyed their enclave in the area. After a thorough search, troops recovered two AK-47 Rifles and a suicide vest.”
Onyema also said in another operation conducted in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno, one terrorist was killed and their enclave was destroyed.
He said, “In another operation, troops conducted a clearance operation in the Buluwa Area of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State where they uncovered and destroyed another terrorists’ camp.
“In the encounter, troops killed one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 Rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm (Special), a bicycle, foodstuff, a grinding machine, and other sundry items.”
The Nigerian Army, according to Onyema, is dedicated to eliminating terrorism and insurgency in the area and will keep carrying out operations to guarantee public safety and security.
According to Defence Headquarters, troops stationed across the country are ready to counter any threats, particularly as Muslims begin the fasting month of Ramadan.
The Department of State Services released a statement on the same day as the DHQ’s assurance, wishing Muslims and Christians a happy Ramadan and congratulating Christians on their upcoming Lenten season. The statement also urged people to stay alert, especially in light of the threat posed by improvised explosives.
