Sambisa

Senator Ndume calls for increased military efforts against insurgents in Sambisa

By Uzair Adam

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has called on the military under the Theatre Command, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ to step up operations to eliminate Boko Haram remnants hiding in the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and border areas between Gwoza and the Republic of Cameroon.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Ndume expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks, which have negatively impacted farmers resettled in liberated communities such as Ngoshe, Kirawa, Warabe, Wala, Pulka, and Gwoza town.

The insurgents have been looting unmatured crops, further hindering the economic recovery of these areas.

Ndume urged the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to clear the terrorists still present in the Sambisa Forest and other hideouts near the Cameroon-Nigeria border.

He also praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his significant contributions to the reconstruction of 10 Gwoza communities destroyed by the insurgents.

Additionally, the senator lauded the military for deploying a medical doctor to Ngoshe, providing free medical services to over 10,000 people in the area.

During a visit to his senatorial district, Ndume distributed agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, insecticides, and cash, to farmers.

He also provided solar streetlights and inspected land designated for the construction of 500 housing units to resettle displaced persons in Warabe, part of Governor Zulum’s rebuilding initiative.

Ndume expressed his gratitude to the community and urged for continued development, while acknowledging that Zulum’s efforts have surpassed expectations.

Nigerian army kills 11 ISWAP terrorists in Sambisa forest

By Anwar Usman

Troops of the Nigerian Army, deployed for a special operation in Sambisa Forest, have eliminated 11 Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement on its official Twitter handle, disclosed this on Saturday.

It said the feat was achieved in coordinated special clearance operations with a hybrid force against a terrorists’ enclave in Jongo Village within the notorious Sambisa Forest.

It stated that the troops targeted the portion and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing some while others fled in disarray.

The army stated that its troops conducted further exploitation ahead of the enclave, leading to the capture of some weapons.

According to the post, the arms include 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm on a metal link, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 3 AK-47 rifle magazines, two 36-hand grenades, and two locally made guns.

“This successful operation showcases the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian army in combating terrorism and securing in the region.

“The neutralisation of ISWAP terrorists and the confiscation of their weapons will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing security and stability in the area.

The post added that, “This further demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian military to eradicating terrorism and protecting the citizens”.

ISWAP abducts 5 travellers in Northeastern Nigeria

By Muhammad Sabiu

Suspected insurgents of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have on Tuesday abducted at least five travellers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road in northeastern Nigeria.

Reports have indicated that the insurgents mounted a fake military checkpoint and hoodwinked travellers which resulted in making them fall prey to their trap.

The abduction was said to have occurred in TamsuKawu village of Kaga local government area (LGA).

A source who spoke to an online newspaper on condition of anonymity said, “Three of the vehicles were forced to drive into the bush at gunpoint before the Boko Haram gunmen later selected five passengers whom they took away while the others and the three vehicles were later released.”

Another source in the know of the incident said, “The attack was suspected to be carried out by Abou Aseyia who was recently appointed as the Ameerul Fiya (Chief of Militant forces), in charge of Sambisa forest.”

The northeastern part of Nigeria is still being hit by terrorists’ attacks despite security agents’ efforts to curb the over-twelve-year-old insurgency.