Nigerian Troops enter the heart of Sambisa forest, rescue 801 hostages in 13 days

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The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole are recording huge successes clearing out the last frontier of Boko Haram terrorists hideouts.

This was disclosed by Major General Leo Irabor, the theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole.

Maj-Gen Irabor disclosed that the troops have entered the heart of Sambisa forest from various fronts.

In his statement about the troops operations in Maiduguri, the major general said the offensive against Boko Haram has been successful.

Troops enter the heart of Sambisa forest, rescue 801 hostages in 13 days

According to him, troops have rescued 801 hostages, between November 23 and December 5 during several operations, including Operation Rescue Finale, which is the continuation of Operation Crackdown aimed at rescuing all the Chibok school girls and other hostages held deep inside Sambisa Forest

However, it is still unclear if there are any Chibok girls among them.

Gen. Irabor said the operation into the heart of Sambisa forest is in several fronts and it included collaborations with the Air Force, which has been deeply involved in the fight against the insurgency.

Maj.-Gen. Irabor said: “On one of the fronts, on 30th November, the troops cleared Goneri before harbouring at Goni Kurmi. While at harbour at Goni Kurmi the troops were attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists with the hope of slowing down their push. The attack was successfully repelled with the Boko Haram terrorists suffering casualties. The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, different calibers of ammunitions and magazines.

“The advance continued the following day and our troops successfully cleared Alafa 1, 2 and 3 respectively before harbouring at Bula Bello.

“On December 5, the troops cleared Boko Haram terrorists delay positions before capturing Njimia. At Njimia our troops were attacked by the terrorists with Anti-Aircraft guns and small arms fire. The attack lasted for about 30 minutes but was successfully repelled with Boko Haram terrorists suffering heavy casualties in both men and equipment before retreating. However, one soldier and 2 Civilian JTF were wounded. The soldier and one Civilian JTF later died while being evacuated to the hospital.

“Yesterday (last Wednesday), at about 4.00pm, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft identified Boko Haram terrorists massing up to attack own troops at Njimia. Our Artillery and air assets were used to engage the Boko Haram terrorists who led to the destruction of 4 vehicles, a fuel tanker likely laden with Improvised Explosive Devices. The Air Force also strafed and killed many fleeing insurgents.”

Maj.-Gen. Irabor also revealed that the two Boko Haram factions have been fighting each other, causing disarray in the rank and file of the insurgents.

He said: “Meanwhile, I can confirm to you that the BHTs are in total disarray due to our current military operations. Even the Maman Nur and Shekau factions clashed again recently which has further forced the Boko Haram terrorist’s remnants at Kafa to disperse in confusion and desperation.

“The troops entered Sambisa forest on the second front through Amdaga and cleared the initial Boko Haram camps in the axis before camping for the night. However, Boko Haram terrorists carried out a probing attack on the troops which was swiftly dealt with before the Boko Haram terrorists retreated.

“The following day, the troops cleared and occupied Dure and have been operating in the general area to intercept fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.”

He added: “The third front moved from Bitta through Sassawa to Tokombore. The troops cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ camps on their axis and subsequently occupied blocking position towards Sambisa “S” Shape. The Army Special Forces (SF) consisting of specially trained and tested operatives continued with the offensive and entered the River Line “S” Shape in the heart of the Sambisa forest.

“Tragedy struck when the t

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