Scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been confirmed dead while 20 women and children have been rescued during a military operation in Sambisa Forest in Borno State, according to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Chris Olukolade, on Saturday.
“Despite continuous encounter with large number of land mines, which still litter the Sambisa Forest, troops have forged ahead with the ongoing offensive operations as scores of the terrorists died in the assault on their bases on Friday,” Olukolade said.
He added that several of the terrorists’ weapons and equipment were destroyed during the encounter.
Maj. Gen Olukolade further noted that over 10 soldiers were, however, wounded, while one died, following explosions of land mines along the routes of advance.
He said some equipment were also damaged or affected by the detonation of land mines at several points in the forest.
“A total of 20 women and children were rescued at the end of the Friday operation. They have all been airlifted out of the forest.
“The wounded soldiers have also been moved out for necessary treatment.
“Two major ammunition dumps, maintained by the terrorists in the forest were also destroyed, along with the four additional terrorist’s camps that were smashed in the operation of Friday.”
He noted that an armoured tank and over 10 vehicles, of various types, being used for terrorists operations as well as 70 motorcycles and 15 tricycles were also destroyed during the operation.
The statement also maintained that air and artillery bombardment of identified terrorist’s camps and locations in various parts of the forest, including the Alafa part, were still ongoing as troops continued the offensive against the terrorists.
