TheCable

The Nigerian army says troops involved in the counter-insurgency operation code-named ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ are making steady progress towards clearing all Boko Haram enclaves in and around the Sambisa forest.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Sani Usman, acting director of army public relations.

Usman said troops were currently clearing Boko Haram hideouts around areas that had already been taken over by the army within the forest.

“I am glad to inform you that our troops are making substantial progress within the fringes of Sambisa forest,” the statement read.

“Nigerian army troops are clearing Boko Haram enclaves along axis of advance from Bitta to Tokumbere.”

The statement added that the commitment of the army toward ending insurgency was in line with the directive of the President Muhammadu Buhari.

In August, Buhari gave the military an ultimatum of three months to end insurgency.

Sambisa, a stronghold of the insurgents, came under spotlight after the abduction of over 200 female students from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, in April 2014.