TheCable

The Nigerian military says it has destroyed 10 Boko Haram camps in Sambisa forest, killing an unconfirmed number of the insurgents as well.

Chris Olukolade, a major-general and director of defence information, who made the announcement on Sunday evening, said one soldier was killed in the operation while two other soldiers were wounded.

“An unconfirmed number of terrorists died on Saturday as 10 additional camps used by terrorists were overrun in the continuing offensive operations against the terrorists in Sambisa forest,” he said.

“The Dure camp, which is one of the most prominent camps in the forest, witnessed the fiercest battle as the Special Forces descended heavily on it before it finally fell.

“Four of the camps were located in a place called Iza within the forest, while three others were noted to be recently established by the terrorists before the assault began. One soldier died from one of the land mines encountered in the operation, while two others were also wounded.

“The terrorists lost a number of vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns as well as armoured vehicles. Some of the terrorists who escaped from the camps also died as they ran into troops ambush in some escape routes from the forest.

“Meanwhile, some of the fleeing terrorists have also engaged in suicide missions at Bitta, where they encountered the Nigerian troops, and Kiskeru across the border in Niger Republic.”

Olukolade said the operation to clear the terrorists in Sambisa and other forests was continuing, as troops in all fronts had been alerted to be on the lookout for fleeing terrorists.

He added that the Nigeria air force was maintaining an active air surveillance to track the movement of terrorists for appropriate action as the operation continues.