The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have entered the heart of Sambisa forest from various fronts. They are recording huge successes clearing out the last frontier of Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts.
During several operations, including Operation Rescue Finale, which is the continuation of Operation Crackdown aimed at rescuing all the Chibok school girls and other hostages held deep inside Sambisa Forest, troops have rescued 801 hostages, between November 23 and December 5. However, it is still unclear if there are any Chibok girls among them.
The theater commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Leo Irabor, gave a full account of the operations in Maiduguri. His verdict: the offensive against Boko Haram has been successful.
Gen. Irabor said the operation into the heart of Sambisa forest is in several fronts and it included collaborations with the Air Force, which has been deeply involved in the fight against the insurgency. He also revealed that the two Boko Haram factions have been fighting each other, causing disarray in the rank and file of the insurgents.
Maj.-Gen. Irabor said: “On one of the fronts, on 30th November, the troops cleared Goneri before harbouring at Goni Kurmi. While at harbour at Goni Kurmi the troops were attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists with the hope of slowing down their push. The attack was successfully repelled with the Boko Haram terrorists suffering casualties. The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, different calibers of ammunitions 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, the troops cleared Boko Haram terrorists delay positions before capturing Njimia. At Njimia our troops were attacked by the terrorists with Anti-Aircraft 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. The soldier and one Civilian JTF later died while being evacuated to the hospital.
“Yesterday (last wednesday), at about 4.00pm, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft identified Boko Haram terrorists massing up to attack own troops at Njimia. Our Artillery and air assets were used to engage the Boko Haram terrorists who led to the destruction of 4 vehicles, a fuel tanker likely laden with Improvised Explosive Devices. The Air Force also strafed and killed many fleeing insurgents.
“Meanwhile, I can confirm to you that the BHTs are in total disarray due to our current military operations. Even the Maman Nur and Shekau factions clashed again recently which has further forced the Boko Haram terrorist’s remnants at Kafa to disperse in confusion and desperation.”
The troops entered Sambisa forest on the second front through Amdaga and cleared the initial Boko Haram camps in the axis before camping for the night. However, Boko Haram terrorists carried out a probing attack on the troops which was swiftly dealt with before the Boko Haram terrorists retreated.
The following day, the troops cleared and occupied Dure and have been operating in the general area to intercept fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.
The third front moved from Bitta through Sassawa to Tokombore. The troops cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ camps on their axis and subsequently occupied blocking position towards Sambisa “S” Shape. The Army Special Forces (SF) consisting of specially trained and tested operatives continued with the offensive and entered the River Line “S” Shape in the heart of the Sambisa forest.
Tragedy struck when the troops on this axis stepped on Boko Haram terrorists Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) which was immediately followed by Boko Haram terrorists attack. The attack was successfully repelled with several Boko Haram terrorists killed during the encounter battle.
“Unfortunately, we lost a soldier and 9 others were wounded from the Improvised Explosive Devices incident. The dead and wounded soldiers were evacuated by the Nigerian Air Force. The wounded are currently receiving treatment in our Hospital,”Maj.-Gen. Irabor said.
Sambisa Gate 1
On November 30, the troops pressed forward towards Sambisa Gate 1 but had to clear Boko Haram camps at Jefe, Ndenema and Turori villages and subsequently stayed at Kazalamari village. The advance continued the following day with the troops clearing the Boko Haram terrorists from Sambisa Gate 1.
At about 10:55 am, the troops successfully cleared and entered Sambisa Gate 1, during the advance, the troops encountered (IED) and had contact with the Boko Haram terrorists at Garin Dinya village. A total of 19 Boko Haram terrorists were killed while four AK-47 rifles and eight magazines including other weapons of the Boko Haram terrorists were captured. However, one officer, a soldier and 2 Civilian JTF were wounded in action and were airlifted by helicopter for medical attention.
Subsidiary Operations
In the fight for the heart of Sambisa forest, troops also conducted subsidiary operations aimed at intercepting fleeing or relocating terrorists. In several clearance operations, one insurgent has been arrested and has been providing several intelligence to the troops on the operations of the terrorist cells.
On November 28 2016, the troops conducted a clearance patrol in Dogon Chukwu general area. During the encounter with the insurgents, one Boko Haram was killed, one wounded and others fled. The wounded, dressed in camouflage uniform, is receiving treatment and helping with useful information for the operation.
On December 1, 2016 at about 1.00pm, while conducting raid operation in Daban Giwa, Daban Masara, Gratte and other adjoining villages, troops encountered Boko Haram terrorists coming out of the creek to mount their horses in the general area of Gratte. A fire fight ensued and the Boko Haram terrorists fled into the creeks with gunshot wounds. However, 32 of their horses died in the cross fire. An officer was wounded in action by grenade fragments during that operation.
Arrest of Fleeing Boko Haram terrorists members
General Irabor said the tenacity of the troops have led to the successful arrest of fleeing members of Boko Haram. Irabor said: “On 28th November 2016 at about 3.55pm, troops in conjunction with vigilante on recce/fighting patrol to Kadauri, Yuramti and Mandari Villages intercepted and apprehended 13 Boko Haram terrorists/Boko Haram terrorists Sympathizers and 51 of their family members at Yuramti village. Also, on 29th November 2016, troops deployed at Buni Gari in conjunction with the vigilantes apprehended 14 Boko Haram terrorists escapees made up of three men, three women and eight children from Gorobcha Village, North East of Ajigin. One of the men was found to be involved in rearing of livestock for the insurgents.
“Similarly, on the same day at about 1.20pm a Boko Haram terrorist suspect, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed was arrested at Helma Jibir village in Biu LGA by own troops. The suspect was arrested with provisions, drugs which are mostly analgesics/sedatives and 31 wraps of weed suspected to be cannabis. Suspect has since been undergoing investigation.
“On December 1, 2016 at about 1.30am, own troops in conjunction with Civilian JTF arrested two Boko Haram terrorists suspects. The suspects were arrested while trying to move some items into the bush for Boko Haram terrorists.
“Items recovered include 5 packets of Trammol, 4 new wrappers, 14 pairs of slippers, a world receiver radio, 5 packets of Maggi star, 7 rolls of Klin detergent, a packet of 1.5v battery, 2 packets of matches, 2 sets of children wears, a bicycle tube, tyre/free wheel, really extra tablet, kola nuts and 2 half bags of salt.
“On December 3, 2016 at about 11.00am, own troops in conjunction with local vigilante, while on fighting patrol along Kafa-Goniri road arrested seven confirmed Boko Haram terrorists members. The arrested Boko Haram terrorists pretended to be Internally Displaced Persons in order to gain access into Goniri so as to escape the current military operations. They were arrested with 50 women and children. They are currently in own custody giving useful information necessary for our operations.
“Likewise, on 4th December 2016 at about 1.35pm, own troops in conjunction with local vigilante intercepted 5 men, 29 women and children heading towards Goniri from Kafa. The men were screened by the local vigilante and 2 of the men were confirmed to be BHTs. They have since been taken to custody and are undergoing interrogation.”
Boko Haram terrorists ambush on convoy
“On December 4, 2016 at about 3.35pm, the rear element of the civilian convoy being escorted by own troops was ambushed by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists from Alagarno general area. Reinforcement from troops deployed at Komala and Musafanari immediately mobilised to clear the ambush. After exchange of fire with the insurgents, own canter vehicle carrying a faulty motorcycle was carted away, while a civilian was injured and has been stabilised.
“Also, a white Hilux vehicle in the convoy was carted away while a Boko Haram terrorists buffalo gun truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft gun and spare barrel were captured by own troops. One soldier is currently missing following that encounter.
“In the last two weeks, our troops have so far provided 38 escorts duties to several humanitarian agencies, staff and logistics within the Theatre. Troops have equally carried out patrols along the main road to ensure safe passage of logistics and commuters.
“During the period under review, 3 additional units were generated to improve on the manpower holding in the operations. Recently, additional special force battalion on completion of Theatre specific training was inducted. Furthermore, in-theatre training for troops is being conducted to boost the operational capacity of the Theatre,” Irabor said.
The theater commander also revealed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai Goodwill Message titled: “No more time to waste” has boosted the morale of troops. “Let me therefore; reiterate my earlier admonishment to the misguided Boko Haram terrorist’s elements to give up their ignoble adventure. They are advised to surrender to the military or other security agencies without further delay.
“I wish to re-assure them that they would be humanely treated in line with international best practices and in accordance with the International Humanitarian Law. Failure to do so would be unpalatable for them. I wish to equally state that plans have been concluded to give those who surrender, a purpose-driven rehabilitation which will make them lead a responsible life with other citizens,” he said.
