Troops of the Nigerian Army, on Friday, killed three terrorists during a raid on Sambisa forest in Borno State.
The troops also destroyed terrorist hideouts in the forest.
Sambisa forest was earmarked by the colonial government as a game reserve but it has become the stronghold of both Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists.
Despite several clearance operations carried out by the military in the forest, the terrorists still operate from there.
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.”
Onyema said the Nigerian Army was committed to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the region, adding that it would continue to conduct operations to ensure the safety and security of the populace.
The Defence Headquarters has said troops deployed nationwide are prepared to address any threats, especially as the Muslim faithful begins the Ramadan period.
The DHQ’s assurance coincides with a statement from the Department of State Services which felicitates Christians for Lent and Muslims for the approaching Ramadan, and urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly against the threat of Improvised Explosives. (Punch)