Three Soldiers Dead in Bloody Battle In Sambisa Forest. Many militants also killed.

Reports reaching us indicate that three Nigerian

soldiers have lost their lives in a bloody battle

against Boko Haram members in the notorious

Sambisa forest.

This was reportedly made known by the Army

spokesman, Sani Usman, on Sunday, December 6, in

a statement obtained by Premium Times.

The spokesman said the tragedy occurred following

the commencement of attack against the terrorists

deep inside the Sambisa forest.

Usman said many of the terrorists were also killed

during the attack, adding that several captives were

rescued by the soldiers during the operation. He

further hinted that three soldiers also sustained

various degrees of injuries in the various military

operations against the demonic group.

Below is the full statement issued by the Nigerian

Army:

Military Commence Strikes Deep Into Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian Army has commenced strikes deep

inside Sambisa forest which is believed to be the

remaining strong point of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Various units of the Army have advanced deep into

the forest clearing most of the camps therein,

rescuing persons held captive, arresting some

terrorists and destroying most of their weapons and

equipment.

Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by

the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy

Boko Haram terrorists camps at Shuari, Adembe,

Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore,

Mainya Kore, and Lopere. Additionally, the Multi-

barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the

terrorists camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa, as well

as several other camps.

The troops recovered foodstuff, motorcycles, flags,

Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) materials

and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were

the terrorists tunnels, weapons and equipment. The

soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from

various persons over time and rescued women and

children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the

animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued

persons have been evacuated and are being given all

the necessary support and assistance.

During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari

Gana a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed

and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are

being interrogated. However, a soldier sustained

gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorists

camp, troops discovered and cleared 3 IEDs laid

along the route. The camp was successfully cleared

and troops have continued their advance while a

blocking force has been deployed to prevent

infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.

Unfortunately during another encounter with the

terrorists along the axis of advance, 3 soldiers made

the supreme sacrifice, while an officer and 2 soldiers

were wounded in action.

It is instructive to note that the troops morale is very

high and being conscious of their set objective, they

are unrelenting in their determination to defeat the

Boko Haram terrorists.

In a related development, troops have also destroyed

Boko Haram terrorists camps Bulagaije and Disa,

Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State and

recovered motorcycles, Dane guns and ammunitions.

Sambisa forest is the major stronghold of the

terrorist group which has claimed the lives of no

fewer than 20,000 innocent people since 2009.

Just yesterday, December 5, reports have it that

about between 15 and 30 people were killed while

over 130 were injured after a suicide bombing

suspected to have been orchestrated by Boko Haram

members at Koulfoua island on the Chadian side of

Lake Chad.