Boko Haram food hidden in a bunker

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian Army on Saturday gave  an update on the ongoing Operation Crackdown embarked upon to rout  Boko Haram terrorists from the expansive Sambisa forest in the North East .

In the statement signed by Sani Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations on Saturday, the latest feat of the troops include continuous clearance of Boko Haram from different areas they have marked out as their enclaves, rescue of people who have been held hostage by the terrorist group, recovery of various types and grades of arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles abandoned by the insurgents.

A Boko Haram member arrested

In addition the Army spokesperson also said the troops were able to intercept suspected members of the insurgents, including three Ameers (head) of trade groups providing carpentry, tailoring and automobile mechanical services to the insurgents as they were escaping from the Sambisa forest.
Also captured by the military were men who claimed to belong to ‘fighters’ cadre of Boko Haram and have taken part in the many attacks carried out by the group.

In the update, Colonel Usman said: “Troops of 26 and 223, Battalions,  Army Headquarters Strike Group and Armed Forces Special Forces have continued offensive operations in furtherance of Operation CRACKDOWN. The troops  have cleared remnants of Boko Haram in Izza and  Njima general area.

“Although they did not encounter any Boko Haram terrorists, there were noticeable fresh footprints, motorcycle and bicycle tyre marks in the seemingly abandoned places.

However, the troops came across    and recovered 8 abandoned vehicles belonging to Boko Haram terrorists.

“The advancing troops also cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts along the way including their camps at Bula Buba and its environs where they recovered 1 Hilux, 1 Canter truck, 15 AK-47  rifle magazines, a 60mm High Explosive  Bomb, 200 G3  rifle magazines, 3 Browning Machine Gun tripod stands and a 60mm mortar bipod stand.

“Other recoveries include several metal links of 7.62mm (NATO) and 12.mm ammunitions.

“In their area of operations, troops of  121 Task Force Battalion today,  intercepted 35 civilians comprising 6 men, 7 women, 7 males minors and  15 minor females who claimed to be coming from Balaganje village.

“However, preliminary investigation reveals that they had been living in Balaganje as captives by Boko Haram terrorists who threatened to kill them if they attempt to escape. They are being investigated further.

“The troops of 122 Task Force Battalion injunction with some elements of 26 Task Force Brigade on receipt of information from some escapees,  embarked  on a clearance patrol to Fadagwe Muni, along Yamtake-Gwoza road. On sighting the troops, the suspected Boko Haram terrorists fled and left behind an abducted 16 year old female cripple.

“The terrorists also abandoned large stock of grains stored in underground pit. Other items recovered include grinding machine, 2 tricycles and 1 photographs printer. The troops nevertheless pursued the fleeing insurgents and killed some of them.

“Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion also conducted clearance operation at Kadera Dam and Anguwar Fulani, while troops of 192 Battalion that conducted similar operation to Guduf,  Nagadio, Duma and Kusarha.

“The Boko Haram terrorists ran to the top of the mountains and they were engaged heavy mortar fire.

The 7 Division and its supporting elements has also intensified the clearance and rescue operations deep inside Sambisa forest. On Friday, they had encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Alafa in which they cleared all the terrorists hibernating there.

“The troops in various  axis have continued to exploit further till they accomplish the mission of Operation CRACKDOWN.