TheCable

A day after the military announced that 200 girls and 93 women were rescued from Sambisa forest, a stronghold of the Boko Haram sect in Borno state, the army says more captives have regained freedom.

According to Sani Usman, acting director of army public relations, several camps of the insurgents were destroyed during the latest operation, geared towards stamping out insurgency.

He listed some of the camps as Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai, Jigide, Kotorima, Lagara Bello and Lagara Fulani.

“I wish to inform you that troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army have cleared several terrorists strong points and training camps within Sambisa forest, Borno State, Nigeria,” he said in a statement issued late Wednesday.

“The troops have also rescued additional women and children. They have been evacuated to a safety zone for further processing.

“During the encounter, unfortunately, we lost a soldier, while 4 others were wounded in action. The troops have also killed several Boko Haram field commanders and foot soldiers and destroyed two armoured personnel carriers, 2 Buffalo vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles.

“The gallant soldiers also recovered one anti-aircraft gun, one general purpose machine gun, one rocket propelled grenade and several AK-47 rifles. Sadly, one woman died and eight other women sustained gunshot wounds.

“So far, the troops have destroyed nine terrorist camps in the forest. This is in addition to the four destroyed yesterday. The destroyed camps includes Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai and Jigide. Others include Kotorima, Lagara Bello and Lagara Fulani among others.

“I am glad to say that troops’ morale is very high as they are poised to accomplish the task of destroying all terrorists camps and rescuing all those held hostage by the terrorists.”

Usman added that Chris Olukolade, director of defence information, would provide update on the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in north-east later on Thursday.