Soldiers raid Boko Haram forest, kill 44 insurgents

Troops have cleared and taken over Balmo forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend.
Prior to the operation, Balmo forest, stretching from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of Sambisa forest, was used by the terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja on Monday, said terrorists  and armed gangs, operating in the forests, were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation.

It however did not specify the number of those arrested during the operation, but said two foreigners, suspected to be mercenaries, were among those captured.

Also recovered were several weapons and equipment including power generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuff and kitchen utensils. In another development, over 44 terrorists have died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled an attack
on the communities.

Armed with Improvised Explosive Devices and other high caliber weapons, a large number of terrorists had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but met with stiff resistance from the troops.

During the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibre,according to the Defence headquarters.

“Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

“Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists while those wounded are receiving treatment,” the statement added.