One of the gallant soldiers, who just returned to Maiduguri from the liberated forest, has narrated the story of how they finally conquered the notorious Sambisa Forest from Boko Haram insurgents.
The soldiers who spoke to news men on condition of anonymity said: “it took months of planning and mapping because of the size, difficult weather and other factors in the Sambisa Forest.”
He said that the operation was carried out day and night, adding that one of the major factors that delayed the takeover of the insurgents’ hideout was the thousands of people, including those living in villages around the vast forest that were being held as human shield by the Boko Haram leaders.
“The 151 Battalion of the Nigerian Army advanced into Sambisa through the Banki-Darul Jamal axis, the 27 Battalion advanced through Mafa, the 152 Battalion advanced through Pulka, while the 222 Battalion approached the dreaded forest through the Maiduguri axis.
“When mine detectors cleared the way, troops moved in to confront the insurgents, who were equally well armed with sophisticated fighting equipment.
“Hundreds of Boko Haram captives, including men, women and children have been freed and taken to safety. All I can tell you is that no big Boko Haram commander is alive in the Sambisa; we are in control of the forest.”
It was gathered that the 4,200 troops were deployed to the Sambisa Forest through various fronts, including Ngurosoye, Konduga/Aulari, Bama, Fulka and Damboa.
(NAN). [myad]
