Soldiers destroy seven Boko Haram camps in Sambisa

The Defence Headquarters yesterday said troops have destroyed seven more camps of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest.

But four soldiers were wounded in the encounters with Boko Haram insurgents.

It was also learnt that troops have been directed to dismantle all hideouts of the terrorists on or before May 29.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade said additional 25 women and children were rescued by troops.

The statement said: “Seven additional terrorists camps were yesterday destroyed as more terrorists also died in the ongoing onslaught to flush them out of Sambisa forest.

“An additional 25 women and children were rescued in the process.

“The troops who scaled series of land mines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used as training camps in the forest.

“Various weapons including Rocket Propelled Grenades, Anti-Aircraft Guns and a number of vehicles were either captured or destroyed during the operation.

“Four soldiers were wounded and have evacuated for treatment.”

“ The operations are continuing with troops demonstrating high morale and fighting spirit as they search the forests for terrorists, arms and hostages.”

A military source confirmed the May 29 deadline given to troops to dislodge insurgents and dismantle their hideouts.

The source said: “We have a target to clear all the hideouts of the terrorists on or before May 29 handover date and we are working round the clock to achieve this.

“We have ordered the troops to make sure that they rid Sambisa Forest of all the camps and cells of Boko Haram before the set date.

“We are confident that we will be able to meet this target.”