Gallant Nigerian troops yesterday vanquished scores of Boko Haram fighters during fierce encounters inside Sambisa Forest, the last stronghold of the insurgents. Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed this in a statement he issued minutes ago in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. He also revealed that more hostages of the insurgents were rescued during the operation. Giving details of the operation, Olukolade said:

“It is heartwarming to inform all peace loving people that 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 yesterday, Friday. Our troops have destroyed several Boko Haram terrorists’ weapons and equipment at the encounter.

“Unfortunately we lost a soldier, while 10 other soldiers were wounded following land mines explosions along the routes of advance. The wounded soldiers have since been evacuated by air for further treatment. Some equipment were also damaged by the detonation of land mines in the forest. The advancing troops have also rescued 20 women and children. The rescued people have all been airlifted out of the forest for processing and further care.

“Two major ammunition dumps maintained by the terrorists in the forest were also destroyed, along with 4 additional terrorists camps during the operation. An armoured tank and over 10 vehicles of various types being used for their operations as well as 70 motorcycles and 15 tricycles of the terrorists also destroyed by troops during the operation. Air and artillery bombardment of identified terrorists’ camps and locations in various parts of the forest, including Alafa, which is very critical to the terrorists, are still ongoing as troops continue the offensive action on terrorists in the forest.

“In another development, cordon and search around Bitta have been intensified following an incident where two young boys were wounded after picking up a grenade from a refuse dump. The weapon is believed to have been abandoned by terrorists that fled the town which is not too far from Sambisa forest. Aggressive patrols and surveillance by land and air are also being maintained in the general area.”

•File photo shows shows smoke billowing from Boko Haram camps destroyed by Nigerian troops inside Sambisa Forest.