Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have cleared several terrorist enclaves and neutralised multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs during an ongoing offensive into the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, involved troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade (SAB) and 26 Task Force Brigade, operating in conjunction with vigilante forces.

According to the source, the troops departed their Harbour Area at about 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 31, and conducted clearance operations along designated withdrawal routes within the Sambisa axis.

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

The areas were described as active terrorist locations; however, the insurgents reportedly fled before the arrival of the advancing troops.

“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, troops encountered three buried IEDs, which were promptly detonated in situ by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team without incident.

The troops later returned safely to Brigade Headquarters at about 4:45 p.m., while casualties recorded during the operation were immediately evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Hospital for further medical attention.

The operation forms part of sustained efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to degrade terrorist networks, dismantle logistics bases and deny insurgents freedom of movement within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

Troops clear terrorist enclaves, neutralise IEDs in Sambisa offensive