Troops penetrate Sambisa forest in manhunt for Boko Haram terrorists

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have moved deeper into Sambisa Forest on many fronts in the continuing effort to clear Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts.

Major General Leo Irabor who is Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, while disclosing this on Wednesday, said that the troops have continued to make progress into the heart of the forest.

He said that the troops were briefed by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division prior the commencement of the offensive operations at the Assembly Area.

According to him, on one of the fronts, the troops were attacked at Goni Kurmi attacked by the terrorists with the hope of slowing down their push.

Irabor, however, noted that the attack was successfully repelled with the terrorists suffering casualties.

He disclosed that the troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, different calibres of ammunition 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, 2016 the troops cleared all terrorists delay positions before capturing Njimia,” he said.

He said, “At Njimia, our troops were attacked by the terrorists with AA 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.”