Army kills scores of terrorists, destroys 25 camps in Sambisa Forest
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully neutralized several Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Timbuktu triangle of Sambisa Forest.
The terrorists were killed in a week-long offensive commencing December 7, 2024 in the Operation Desert Sanity III of clearance in the forest.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, in Lake Chad region, that the land and air offensive, which began on December 2024, destroyed 25 hideout camps.
The sources reported that during one of the fierce offensives by the troops of the 21 Armored Brigade in Bama, encountered terrorists in Ukuba, Sambisa, and engaged them with superior firepower.
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As a result of the encounter, 11 ISWAP terrorists were neutralized, which caused the remaining them to scamper and fled in disarray.
During the clash, a gun truck loaded with ammunition exploded and burnt.
The troops also recovered various weapons and equipment, including one anti-aircraft gun, a rocket-propelled grenade tube, one general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), two RPG chargers, five AK-47 rifles.
Other items recovered include a terrorist flag, two pickup vans, and a grinding machine, among other items.
While continuing with their offensive operations into the forest, the troops cleared areas such as Garin Abu Umaru, New/Old Mjimia, Garin Munzo, Alafa 1, and Alafa 2.
An alleged Amir of Garin Munzo and five other terrorists were also intercepted and neutralized, while newly established camps were destroyed.
The source highlighted the team’s bravery and commitment, which significantly contributed to the dislodgement of terrorists from numerous hideous at New Goske, Garin Abbas, Garin Ba’aba, Korege, Arra, Garin Abu Amina, Garin Noma, Garin Malam Ma’azu, Garin Fallujah, Ukuba, Sabil Huda, Garin Munzo, Garin Abu Umaru, New Njimia, Garin Adamu, and a farmland in Dure at Balar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi, among others.
However, while en route to clear these locations, a patrol team triggered an IED around 1530hrs near Alagarno. Fortunately, no casualties were sustained, but the armored personnel carrier sustained damage to its rear track and two turbochargers.
Meanwhile, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade have advanced and cleared Boko Haram enclaves in Amadaga Madachi and Amadaga villages in Gwoza LGA.
The suspected terrorists fled upon noticing the troops’ advance. The troops continued toward Gobara, where they made contact with the enemy, who fled with injuries as evidenced by traces of blood.
In another encounter, the troops of the 159 Battalion and 199 Special Forces Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cleared terrorist enclaves at BBalar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi. No contact with the enemy was made during this operation.
In Yobe State, the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade continued their advances and cleared the area of Gol. They discovered and safely detonated one IED. The terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 67 bags of assorted grains in an underground storage, along with ammunition.
Additionally, the troops ambushed and neutralized two ISWAP terrorists at Katarko along the road to Yobe State University and recovered two AK-47 rifles.
As the offensive persisted, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade cleared Galengi and Dusuri. About 2 km ahead of Tobolo, contact was made with enemy combatants. The troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight, killing two and recovering their weapons.
The troops also cleared Arimarim and Koborori villages. Before reaching Galengi, they encountered and neutralized one terrorist, recovering a dane gun. A terrorist camp was set ablaze during the operation.
Despite facing challenges such as difficult terrain, IED threats, and other issues, the troops have maintained their momentum, focusing on and remaining determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists wherever they are found in the Sambisa Forest.
According to the source, ISWAP commanders, including Abu Aisha (Khaid) and four assistant commanders (Munzir) — Bako, Mallam Abubakar, Abu Ibrahim, Hanzala (also a Khaid) — are currently on the run. Nevertheless, the troops are resolute in their determination to hunt them down.
