Boko Haram: 8 takeaways from press briefing on Operation Lafiya
Since the establishment of Operation Lafiya Dole to fight insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, the Nigerian army has been working effortlessly to that regard.
On Wednesday, December 7, the theatre commander of the operation, Leo Irabor held in a press briefing said troops have continued to clear several Boko Haram elements in their hideouts.
Boko Haram
Irabor also said the military has so far recorded huge success since its last briefing.
Below are eight takeaways from the press briefing:
1. Finally! Troops have moved deeper into Sambisa forest
Irabor while speaking to journalists said troops of the Nigerian army have finally launched attacks into Sambisa forest, Boko Haram strongest hold.
He said the troops have moved deeper into the dreaded forest on many fronts.
Irabor, major general said: "Since its commencement on November 2, our troops have continued to make progress into the heart of SAMBISA Forest. The current incursion into the SAMBISA Forest is on various fronts."
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He said the troops were briefed by the General Officer Commanding 7 Division prior the commencement of the offensive operations at the Assembly Area.
2. The terrorists have been challenged on from different fronts of the Sambisa forest
The operation lafiya dole theatre commander said the Boko Haram terrorists have been confronted from four different axis of the Sambisa forest.
Irabor said the troops have cleared Goni Kurmi, Amdaga, Bita and Jefe axis of the dreaded forest.
He said the confrontations led to the arrest of many Boko Haram element on different occasions as the listed axis have been cleared of insurgents.
Various items were also recovered from the operations, he said.
Irabor said: "Items recovered include 5 packets of tramol, four new wrappers, 14 pairs of slippers, a world receiver radio, five packets of maggi star, 7 rolls of klin detergent, a packet of 1.5v battery, two packets of matches, two sets of children wears, a bicycle tube, tyre/free wheel, really extra tablet, kola nuts and two half bags of salt."
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3. Arrest of cattle rustlers
Irabor said that on November 28, four people and a teenager were arrested by some troops deployed at Bulbulin Ngarnan with four cows.
He said the cows have been handed over to the Nigeria police
4. Recovery of arms from kidnappers
On December 2, the theatre commander said troops on patrol at the general area of Gamji and Kafin Lemu villages in Ningi local government area of Bauchi state encountered some suspected kidnappers who engaged the troops in a gun battle.
"They were killed in the gun battle that ensued. The troops recovered several arms and ammunition which include five dane guns, a locally made pistol, some cartridges and charms," Irabor said.
5. Person borne Improvised Explosive Device (Suicide bombers)
On November 23 Irabor said a loud explosion at gen area of Muna Garage led to the dispatch of troops.
He said at the scene, the troops discovered that a suicide bomber and his accomplice detonated their bombs.
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He said both the suicide bomber and his accomplice died in the process.
6. Boko Haram ambush on troops convoy
The military said on December 4, the rear element of the civilian convoy being escorted by troops was ambushed by fleeing terrorists from Alagarno general area.
"Reinforcement from troops deployed at Komala and Musafanari immediately mobilised to clear the ambush," Irabor said.
File photo of some Nigerian soldiers on the battle field
He added that: "After exchange of fire with the insurgents, own canter vehicle carrying a faulty motorcycle was carted away, while a civilian was injured and has been stabilized."
A white Hilux vehicle in the convoy was carted away while a BHT buffalo gun truck mounted with Anti-Air craft gun and spare barrel were captured by troops.
Also, one soldier is currently missing following that encounter.
7. Escort duties for humanitarian agencies
He said that in the past two weeks, troops have so far provided 38 escorts duties to several humanitarian agencies, staff and logistics within the theatre.
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The troops have also carried out patrols along the main road to ensure safe passage of logistics and commuters.
8. Additional manpower and in-theatre training
He said during the period under review, three additional units were generated to improve on the manpower holding in the operations.
"Recently, additional special force battalion on completion of theatre specific training was inducted.
"Furthermore, in-theatre training for troops is being conducted to boost the operational capacity of the Theatre," he said.
He also said that goodwill messages from the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai to the troops has boosted morale of the soldiers and officers in the battle field.
Irabor said: "Meanwhile, I can confirm to you that the BHTs are in total disarray due to our current military operations. Even the Maman Nur and Shekau factions clashed again recently which has further forced the BHT remnants at Kafa to disperse in confusion and desperation.
"Let me therefore, reiterate my earlier admonishment to the misguided BHT elements to give up their ignoble adventure. They are advised to surrender to the military or other security agencies without further delay."
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