2 soldiers wounded as troops deal heavy blow on Boko Haram in Sambisa forest

The Nigerian Army has said that its troops fighting Boko Haram in the North East on Friday dealt decisively with remnants of the terrorists hibernating in Sambisa forest, neutralizing seven, while several others escaped with bullet wounds.

The army which announced that the attack was carried out with effective support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), added that two soldiers who were wounded during the encounter were evacuated and that they are currently responding to treatment.

Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, who made this known in a statement he made available to newsmen, described the attack as an unprecedented performance by the troops in the Sambisa forest.

He said, “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole involved in ‘Operation Deep Punch II’ have continued to deal decisively with remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Sambisa forest and other parts of northern Borno State with tremendous successes.

“On Friday 26th January 2018 afternoon, the troops with effective support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), had contact with the terrorists while advancing into Sambisa forest.

“During the encounter and further exploitation, the troops destroyed Boko Haram terrorists equipment, make-shift accommodation around Camp Zairo, Improvised Explosives Device (IEDs), Booby traps, other delaying obstacles and devices.

“The troops also neutralized seven Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. In addition, the gallant troops recovered one Gun truck, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one Machine Gun, a Pistol, large quantity of Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, a 120mm Mortar Base Plate and a Dane Gun.

“Similarly, the troops destroyed 11 Boko Haram terrorists Gun trucks, 12 Hilux vehicles, three Canter trucks two Double Barrel Rifles, 30 Bicycles, Power generating sets, cylinders, printers, military kits and IED making workshop.

“Unfortunately, two soldiers were wounded during the encounter. The wounded soldiers have since been evacuated by Nigerian Air Force and are responding to treatment.”

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He added, “Impressed with the unprecedented performance, the Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General IM Yusuf, has visited the troops harbour location.

“He conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s and Theatre Commander’s commendations to the troops for the wonderful job of annihilating the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists inside Sambisa forest and encouraged them to sustain the tempo of the offensive until they have eliminated all the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hibernating.”

Noting that the success recorded has buoyed up troops morale who expressed enthusiasm in sustaining onslaught against the terrorists, the Army spokesman said that the people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states have been asked to report any fleeing Boko Haram terrorist seen around their communities.

 

 

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