Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Neutralise IEDs in Sambisa Forest Offensive

T Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have cleared several terrorist enclaves and neutralised multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during an ongoing offensive in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.

The operation, carried out under Operation Desert Sanity V, involved troops of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) and the 26 Task Force Brigade, working in collaboration with local vigilante forces. Military sources disclosed that the coordinated clearance operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle insurgent networks operating within the notorious forest.

According to the sources, the troops departed their harbour area at about 9:20 a.m. on December 31 and advanced along designated withdrawal routes within the Sambisa axis, conducting thorough clearance operations in identified hotspots.

“The troops successfully cleared the terrorist enclaves of Garin Kago, Garin Alhaji Bita and Garin Malam Muazu during the operation,” one of the sources said.

The locations were described as active terrorist strongholds prior to the operation. However, the insurgents reportedly fled on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning their positions and logistics.

“Despite the terrorists’ withdrawal, several life-support structures within the enclaves were identified and destroyed in line with operational guidelines,” the source added.

During the withdrawal phase of the operation, troops discovered three buried IEDs along the routes. The devices were safely detonated in situ by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team without any incident, preventing potential casualties or damage.

The troops later returned safely to their Brigade Headquarters at about 4:45 p.m. Personnel who sustained injuries during the operation were promptly evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Hospital for further medical attention.

The military offensive forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade terrorist capabilities, dismantle logistics bases and deny insurgents freedom of movement within the Sambisa Forest and its surrounding areas.