Boko Haram attacks Nigerian troops in Sambisa forest

  – Army spokesperson says troops were vigilant during the attack

– Adds that the insurgents were so effective that the terrorists withdrew in disarray

The battle against insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast took another twist on Wednesday, May 4, when Boko Haram terrorists opened fire on Nigerian troops in Sambisa forest.

According to Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the army spokesperson, the Nigerian troops were battle ready, were however strong enough to repel the attacks of the terrorists.

In a press statement obtained by NIJANEWSLAND  “Yesterday, Wednesday 4th May 2016 at about 7.00pm in the evening, Boko Haram terrorists attacked our troops involved in the clearance and rescue operations in Sambisa forest nicknamed “Operation CRACKDOWN”, while on harbour.

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“The terrorists who came in 5 Toyota Hilux vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns which they fired along with 81mm mortar. The battle ready troops rose to the occasion and repelled the attack and pursued the terrorists that withdrew in disarray towards the river line of Izza-Mainyakare axis.

“The attack lasted for about 40 minutes without any casualty on our troops while an unconfirmed number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed. The troops recovered an 81mm mortar tube from the terrorists.

“The troops maintain highest level alertness and vigilance at the harbour area. They will further exploit and continue with the clearance operation.”

This new development is coming following a report that the Nigerian troops have reportedly set an ambush for Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest.

Brigadier General Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff, while fielding questions from journalists on Wednesday, May 4, informed that the ground troops had blocked movement of Boko Haram terrorists in and out of Sambisa forest, noting that the ongoing ‘Operation Crack Down’ (which took effect since April, 2016) had been successful.

According to Buratai: “The troops are doing very well; they had some challenges in terms of encounters with the terrorists in the theatre but that is being tackled. The troops are forming a blocking force to prevent the terrorists from moving into Sambisa or coming out of the area.”