Nigerian soldiers ambush boko haram in Sambisa forest, kill many

The Nigerian Army said on Thursday that troops fighting insurgency in the North East under “Operation Lafiya Dole” had killed some Boko Haram insurgents near the Sambisa forest and recovered several items.

Boko Haram, Sambisa forest

According to a statement issued by acting Army spokesman, Sani Usman, some of the suspected insurgents were killed during an ambush operation at two of their crossing points on Wednesday night.

Mr. Usman said the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion laid ambush for the terrorists at Komala and Musafanari general area in Borno.

He said others escaped the attack with gunshot wounds while no casualty was recorded on the part of the military.

According to Mr. Usman, the troops recovered one AK45 rifle with registration number 56-2614519 in addition to a magazine containing nine rounds of 7.62mm (Special) and six motorcycles.

He said the troops also recovered two bags of salt and other assorted food items as well as various Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from the suspected insurgents.

He said items recovered from the insurgents indicated that they were out for a nefarious mission which was aborted by the timely ambushes.

The spokesman said that troops were poised to clear remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in the region.

Mr. Usman appealed to the public to support security agencies with timely and useful information on the activities and movements of insurgents to ensure prompt response. (NAN)

Nigerian soldiers ambush boko haram in Sambisa forest, kill many

Nigerian soldiers destroy Boko Haram camps in Alagarno, Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian troops has continued its offensive operations of destroying all Boko Haram terrorists remaining camps and enclaves around Alagarno and Sambisa forests.

Boko Haram, Sambisa forest

Today, (Tuesday), troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion patrol team, cleared Boko Haram camps located at Komala, Dole, Kumshi and Moadori around the fringes of Alagarno forest.

The troops killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists and captured 2 notorious terrorists; Mustapha Busuru (50 years old) and Usman Abubakar (56 years) at Dole village and brought down all Boko Haram terrorist flags hoisted in the village and destroyed them.

They also recovered 2 Toyota pick up vans, 40 motorcycles, Improvised Explosives Making Devices (IEDs), stockpile of foodstuffs and fuel dump. The patrol team also recovered horses and donkeys used for transportation by the terrorists.

In response to a distress call of an attack by Boko Haram terrorists on Kuda village along Butuku road, troops of 143 Battalion swung into action, unfortunately the terrorists fled after setting the village on fire that led to the death of an elderly woman.

The escaped insurgents regrouped and attempted to cross through Magar bridge but they were pre-empted by elements of the Battalion who killed 2 terrorists and wounded several others.

According to Nigerian Military Headquarter, 3 soldiers and 4 locals sustained injuries, while the troops recovered 1 Toyota Buffalo vehicle mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun with registration number 081375, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with registration number 132042, a loaded G3 rifle magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions link.

Both military and the wounded civilians are receiving treatment at the unit’s Regimental Aid Post.

Nigerian soldiers destroy Boko Haram camps in Alagarno, Sambisa Forest

Borno hunters seek to join military against Boko Haram

Hunters in Borno State on Sunday called on the military to allow them to join in the war against insurgents in Sambisa Forest, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Nigeria military

The king of the Hunters, Mallam Mai-Gana Mai-Durma, made the appeal in Maiduguri while addressing newsmen.

Mai-Durma said the call became imperative because the hunters were familiar with the terrain of the dreaded forest, said to be the hideout and operational base of the terrorists.

“We are appealing to the military authorities to allow us join the fight against Boko Haram at the Sambisa Forest.

“We are ready to pursue the terrorists because we know the terrain very well,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He believed that the military should align them with members of the vigilance group, popularly known as the Civilian JTF, for effective result.

“We will overrun Sambisa in partnership with members of the civilian JTF if given the opportunity.

“This will help to complement the effort of military in the anti-terrorism operation,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He lamented that hunters from the 27 local government areas of the state had been rendered idle by the Boko Haram terrorism.

“Hunters from all the 27 Borno LGAs are all in Maiduguri with our leaders doing nothing at present because of Boko Haram.

“Rather than idling away, we will want to assist the military in crushing Boko Haram terrorists,’’ Mai-Durma said.

He appealed to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai, to assist in forwarding the request to the military authorities for consideration.

Borno hunters seek to join military against Boko Haram

Troops destroy 15 terrorist’s camps, rescue women, children in Sambisa Forest

Abuja— The Nigerian military has commenced air and land strikes deep inside Sambisa forest destroying about 15 heavily fortified camps.  In the ensuing onslaught, the military killed scores of terrorists’ and arrested some of them while most of their weapons and equipment were destroyed. Scores of abducted captives including women, girls and children were also rescued

Boko Haram

Confirming the movement into the forest, Acting Director, Army Public relations, Col. Sani Usman said: “Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorist’s camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.

“Additionally, the multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorist’s camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa as well as several other camps.

“The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised explosive making devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorist’s tunnels, weapons and equipment.

“The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.

“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana, a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated.

“However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

“Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorist’s camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route.

“The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.”

Troops destroy 15 terrorist’s camps, rescue women, children in Sambisa Forest

Nigerian soldiers discover Boko Haram secret tunnel, child suicide bomber apprehended

Troops Aprehends Potential Child Suicide Bomber

Troops of 7 Division Garrison providing security at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Dalori in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State on Tuesday afternoon apprehended an 11 year old boy, Master Usman Modu Tella a potential suicide bomber.

He is suspect number 82 on the poster containing the photographs of 100 wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorists released by the Nigerian Army. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was from Bama town and is among 4 other children trained for suicide bombing by the Boko Haram terrorists.

He further added that the 3 others have already carried out their missions at different locations. His job was to do same in the camp sometime in the future.

The boy also pointed out one other Boko Haram senior member, Alhaji Kerewu Abubakar at the camp. It will be recalled that due to the concerted efforts of the military quite a number of towns and villages hitherto held by the Boko Haram terrorists were liberated, this brought about an unprecedented influx of IDPs to the camp which the terrorists took advantage and infiltrate in order to wreck more havoc among the society. The case of these suspects clearly indicated this point hence the need for proper screening of all IDPs with a view to ascertain their true identity.

The apprehension of the suspects is a boost to the fight against terrorism and insurgency in that they were assisting with investigation that would lead to the arrest of more suspected terrorists in the camp and elsewhere

Nigerian soldiers discover Boko Haram secret tunnel, child suicide bomber apprehended

Military Commences Aerial Assault in Sambisa Forest

• NSA, service chiefs tour IDPs’ camps
  
  Suicide bomb attack on another Borno market foiled
  
  Deputy senate president canvasses special anti-terrorism courts

By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

After a lull in its aerial campaign against Boko Haram terrorist camps, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out fresh air strikes targeted at terrorists’ bunkers in Sambisa forest.

Military sources said the targeted strikes were aimed at hidden supply routes and fortified terrorist enclaves whic

h were exposed after the sustained military offensive few months back and reliable intelligence that accompanied the mop up operations.

A statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said the strikes on Sambisa forest which were carried out by F-7NI and Alpha Jet fighter aircraft, as well as attack helicopters, came after several weeks of tactical reconnaissance by the reconnaissance/surveillance aircraft.

A statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said the strike missions, which were carried out by F-7NI and Alpha Jet fighter aircraft, as well as attack helicopters, came after several weeks of tactical reconnaissance by the reconnaissance/surveillance aircraft.

The NAF spokesman said the fresh aerial assault were in pursuit of the Nigerian military’s resolution to incapacitate and further degrade the fighting spirit of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Noting that the aerial campaign has resulted in the degradation of the terrorists capabilities and destruction of some of their strongholds, Alonge said, “Intelligence report revealed that as aftermath of the strike missions, the terrorists havd been confined and their capabilities greatly reduced, thereby restricting their nefarious activities to small scale attacks and suicide bombings.”

The statement from the NAF headquarters quoted the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, as assuring Nigerians that the fresh campaign would be sustained until Boko Haram activities becomes a thing of the past.

Abubakar was further quoted as saying that with the support of Nigerians, the NAF was “willing, able and ready to meet up with current and future security challenges of the nation.”

Also, security sources disclosed to THISDAY that the air force was approaching its optimum operational capacity following the completion of repairs and upgrade of some of its platforms.

In a related development, security sources noted that the air force was fully mobilised to specifically target identified Boko Haram supply routes and bunkers.

They noted that hidden supply routes and camouflaged terrorist enclaves were exposed after the sustained military offensive few months back and reliable intelligence that accompanied the mop up operations.

“I can tell you that the air force is over 80 per cent, and going to 90 per cent fully operational, one of the highest capacities for a very long time. The order now, and with enhanced intelligence, is to target and cut off the Boko Haram supply routes,” a source said.

“We just saw the Air Force F7 jets, two of them came in today showing there is improvement now. We have the fighters in dozens in Makurdi and they are coming in to fight,” another military source in the battle front said.

The NAF had last week deployed additional combat platforms to the North-east in support of the ongoing counter-insurgency operation codenamed ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’.

Alonge , who made the disclosure in a statement, had said that the new deployment came on the heels of the recent visit of the Chief of the Air Force to the operational areas, and in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate to bring an end to insurgency in the North-East.

He listed the newly deployed platforms to include the F-7Ni fighter aircraft, Mi-24/35 attack helicopters, Agusta 109 LUH, Supa Puma Combat Support helicopter and ATR-42 surveillance aircraft which hitherto had been away for scheduled maintenance.

Also yesterday, National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-Gen. Babagana Monguno, led the security chiefs on a visit to assess the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and security situation on the ground in Borno State.

This came barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari decorated the service chiefs – Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase – with their new ranks.

Monguno, who spoke in Kanuri to elderly and young internally displaced persons in Konduga, and Dalori , on Friday said: “Kanade guno, Afiso karengun dagin, Insha Allah” which literally means “Exercise patience everything will come to an end soon, by the grace of God.”

He assured the IDPs that with the appointment of intelligent and competent service chiefs, the military would comply with the directive of President Buhari in ending the Boko Haram insurgency as soon as possible.

The NSA, whose office is the statutory coordinating body for all security and law enforcement agencies in the prevention and combating acts of terrorism, said the purpose of the visit was to re-assess the operational situation on ground with a view to effecting the required changes at the strategic operational and tactical levels that will ensure smooth operations of intelligence, aerial and ground troops to put an end to terrorism.

While reaffirming the commitment of the military to end the atrocities of Boko Haram terrorists by the end of the year, he insisted that the citizens and residents should always provide necessary information on suspicious movement, objects and strange people to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the attempt by a suicide bomber to attack and wreak havoc on Rumirgo Market in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State this morning was thwarted by a gallant vigilante group member popularly referred to as ‘Civilian JTF’.

This was disclosed yesterday in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman.

Usman said the suspected suicide bomber heading to Rumirgo market was accosted by the vigilant and security conscious vigilante.

In the process of interrogation, he said, the suspected terrorist blew himself off and died on the spot.

The Army Spokesman however revealed that the vigilante member sustained injuries and had been rushed to hospital for medical treatment by troops.

He assured that “the situation is under control as people go about their normal businesses”.

Usman also said the Nigerian Troops had been placed on maximum alert to forestall further attack.

“We want to seize this opportunity to call on the public to continue to be more vigilant and security conscious, ” he urged.

In another development, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has made a strong case for the establishment of special anti-terrorism courts to strengthen the war against terrorism and insurgency in Africa.

Ekweremadu made the call at the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Regional Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, with the theme:

“Democracy and Development in Africa: Policy Options in the Post-Millennium Development Goal Framework.”

According to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu spoke on the sub-theme; “The Role of Parliament in Tackling the Menace of Terrorism on the Continent of Africa,” with a warning that terrorism in Africa is spreading beyond discovery.

Ekweremadu, the statement added, said penetration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) into Africa gave terrorist groups the opportunity to mobilise, train, establish, and maintain cells and links without the physical obstacles of borders.

He called on African nations to pay attention to judicial reforms as they embark on reform of legal frameworks and institutions to fight terrorism.

“Our courts and judges are overwhelmed by lawsuits and the wheels of justice grind very slowly in most African countries. There is also the issue of the suitability of our conventional courts in terms of security for the trial of such high profile crimes.

“We should therefore consider amending our laws to set up special courts to try terrorism suspects. If punishments were to be swiftly meted out to offenders, it would deter prospective terrorists and their sponsors,” he was quoted as saying.

He expressed strong beliefs that besides lawmaking, African parliaments could contribute immensely to the war against terrorism by effectively utilising the powers of oversight, appropriation, approval of certain appointments, ratification of international treaties and conventions on terrorism.

Other measures, he suggested, were approval of special measures like state of emergency as well as the legislative instruments of parliamentary instruments of resolutions, investigations and public enlightenment to counter radicalisation as well as the manipulation of religious, political and ethnic sentiments by terrorists to promote their evil agenda.

Military Commences Aerial Assault in Sambisa Forest

Sambisa Forest: Army dismisses 200 soldiers for cowardice

The Nigeria Army at the Rukuba Barracks in Jos, Plateau State, has dismissed about 200 soldiers from service for their failure to capture the Sambisa Forest, a notorious hideout for Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

They were dismissed for laxity and cowardice in the course of duty.

One of the affected soldiers, Aguloye Sunday, an indigene of Ondo State, who confirmed the dismissal to journalists in Jos, said they were arraigned on a two-count charge of “failure to perform military duty and disobedience to standing order.”

He, however, argued that they would seek redress in court as the charges pressed against him and his colleagues were “untrue, false and malicious.”

Denying the claim by the army authorities that the soldiers abandoned their duties and ran away, Mr Sunday explained that sufficient weapons were not provided for them to fight the terrorists and, therefore, they ran out of weapons.

He also said the weapons provided for the troops were obsolete.

According to him, “the bombs given to us were made in 1964; they were expired, so we could not use them.

“Each of us was given five bullets, not five rounds, to fire. While in the forest, our biggest weapon was to cover just a distance of 400 meters, but our enemy had aircraft weapons that could cover a distance of more than 1,000 metres, aside other dangerous weapons.

“We only retreated to our base and waited in vain for ammunition for three days.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian Army has said the figure being bandied was incorrect and that no dismissals were pre-planned by the Army High Command.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. S. K. Usman, in a statement, said: “On disciplinary action being taken against some soldiers for cowardice and desertion in the face of enemies, especially as regards the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, most of the stories and figure being peddled are far from accurate.

“Disciplinary processes or trials are never done with prior intention to dismiss anyone in the Nigerian Army. The only intention is to dispense justice and even at that, due process is normally followed.”

 

Sambisa Forest: Army dismisses 200 soldiers for cowardice

Chibok girls held in bunkers in Sambisa forest – Shettima

*Asks military to search beyond surface earth

By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA –  Borno State governor, Kassim Shettima, Tuesday, said there was every tendency that the female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, abducted by members of the Boko Haram sect, in April 2014, were being held in bunkers, inside Sambisa Forest.

To this end, he has asked the military, which is combing the forest not only to fish out members of the sect but to also liberate the over 200 girls to carry their assignment beyond surface earth.

Shettima, spoke in Abuja, while presenting a paper at a two-day post election conference on security and governance, organized by the Savanna Centre, a Non Governmental Organisation, NGO, established by former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary, Borno Elders Forum, Dr Bulama Mala Gubio, said the dreaded sect, having operated in the large expanse of the forest for so many years unchallenged, were able to build a bunker, large enough to accommodate many people in the area.

“We are suspecting that Chibok girls are living with the insurgents in bunkers, I think the military must carry out their operations beyond the surface earth,” he insisted.

“They (Boko Haram) were also known to have dug tunnels to enable them move from house to house. So, having been left unchallenged for such a long time, such possibilities cannot be ruled out which poses serious obstacles within the forest, “the governor added.

Speaking further, Shettima said: “The insurgents used their bases in the Sambisa Forest to launch deadly attacks and make quick retreat to their base which enabled them capture and take over control of all the local government areas bordering Nigeria with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, thus effectively cutting off the three neighbouring countries thereby declaring what they assumed was their their independent territory (caliphate).”

The governor also said unless Sambisa Forest was completely and effectively rid off of the terrorists by the military, any reconstruction and rehabilitation carried out in the North East region would be exercise in futility.

 

Chibok girls held in bunkers in Sambisa forest – Shettima

Nigerian troops destroy more camps, kill Boko Haram members in Sambisa

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Many members of the dreaded Boko  Haram group met their waterloo yesterday as the Nigerian troops continued its offensive against them.

The operation clear Sambisa forest has continued despite reports that the terrorists group who may have succeeded in fleeing the troubled forest are engaging in suicide bombing in different parts of the terrorists states.

An unconfirmed number of terrorists died on Saturday as Nigerian soldiers destroyed 10 additional camps used by terrorists during the operation in Sambisa forest.

The Dure camp which is one of the most prominent camps in the forest witness the fiercest battle as the Special Forces descended heavily on it before it finally fell.

According to the Director, defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, four of the camps were located in a place called Iza within the forest while three others were noted to be recently established by the terrorists before the assault began.

A soldier lost his life from one of the land mine encountered during the operation while two others were wounded.

Olukolade said the terrorists lost a number of vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns as well as armoured vehicles. Some terrorists who attempted to escape were also ambushed by troops who lay siege for them in their escape routes in the forest.

Some of the terrorists who succeeded in escaping were engaged by Nigerian troops in Bitta and Kiskeru across the border in Niger Republic.

“The Nigerian Air force is maintaining an active air surveillance to track the movement of terrorists for appropriate action as the operation continues.” Added Maj. Gen. Olukolade.

 

 

Nigerian troops destroy more camps, kill Boko Haram members in Sambisa

REVEALED: Eight pregnant ‘Sambisa women’ gave birth inside the forest

Eight of the hundreds of women recently rescued by the Nigerian military in Sambisa forest delivered their babies inside the forest and its surrounding hamlets.

Hostages in Sambisa Forest by Boko Haram

Speaking at Malkohi, one of the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yola, Adamawa state, northeast Nigeria, the women said their ordeal in the forest was inhumane, as they welcomed their newborn in such harsh conditions.

Most of the women, who asked not to be named, said some of them gave birth in Sambisa forest while being held captive by insurgents.

When they were asked how many of them gave birth in the forest, the women counted in unison with the tips of their fingers: One, two, three, four…eight. “Some of the children died due to the harsh weather conditions in the forest,” one said.

“In the bush, there is heat and cold. I took five children with me to the forest, but the one I was nursing died due to the weather.”

Attempts to speak to those who lost their newborn failed, as they were too grief-stricken to favour an interview with a journalist.

Lamin Musa, who considered herself very fortunate, was captured pregnant and she delivered in Sambisa, one day before a successful rescue mission of the military.

“I don’t know the exact day I gave birth, because we had lost touch with the days of the week,” Musa said. “But I delivered in the night, and the military rescued us the next morning.”

REVEALED: Eight pregnant ‘Sambisa women’ gave birth inside the forest

Sambisa Forest: I never believed we would make it out alive - Rachael, Christian hostage

•Lami Musa: Two months pregnant when abducted

•Salamatu: Boko Haram fighters, running out of basic supplies, abandoned us moments before the military struck

By Umar Yusuf, Yola

Penultimate Saturday,  275  rescued  victims of  Boko Haram were moved from Sambisa forest  to the Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp on the outskirts of Yola, Adamawa State  capital. The victims, women and children, were driven into the camp amid tight security. They arrived the camp after almost three days journey which forced the victims to be exhausted. Many of them, especially kids, could not alight from the vehicles that brought them. They had to be assisted by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the Red Cross, the military and other agencies in the camp.

The children looked  malnourished. But more worrisome  is the fact that many of them  had gunshot injuries. The journey from Sambisa to Yola lasted over 72 hours owing to many reasons. One, the military had to do a  mop up of the  roads in the forest to clear landmines believed to have been planted  in the dreaded forest by the fleeing insurgents. A  military bulldozer had to be used to clear the roads for the vehicles conveying the victims to have access to the road linking Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Another reason for the three-day journey as adduced by the military, was the fact that the trip had to be broken into phases to reduce the stress for the former hostages.

Lami Musa, a 27-year old housewife, who gave birth to a  baby a day before the victims left Sambisa,  was among the 275 victims who survived the long drive.

On arrival in the camp, the victims were treated  to  a  taste of Nigerian foods. Their states of origin cut across the three north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe worst affected  by the Boko Haram attacks. They were captured from different remote areas of the three states during occasional Boko Haram raids.

The victims narrated how they were captured, how they were moved to Sambisa forest, their horror  in the hands of the insurgents and how they regained freedom.

Mrs. Lami Musa, a mother of four who gave birth to a baby girl barely three days before the military moved her and others from Sambisa enroute to the IDPs camp, told her story. Her husband, an artisan, was killed in their Damboa town when the insurgents came calling. She narrated: “I was two months pregnant then when the insurgents invaded the town at about 6pm one Monday in August  2014. As sporadic gunshots enveloped the town, able bodied men, including our husbands, among others, fled to the bush. The invaders ordered us to follow them. The trip which some of us made in vehicles while others trekked took us almost two days to get to their camp”.

Another victim, Mrs. Talatu Maina, an indigene of Madagali, Adamawa State, claimed she, along with many others was abducted in September last year along the borders of Borno and Adamawa State. She said they were returning from a local market when they were ambushed and driven straight into  Sambisa forest.

“The male passengers among us were slaughtered instantly. On reaching Sambisa forest, we met hundreds of other women and children”, she stated. Talatu disclosed that life in the Boko Haram enclave was simple in the sense that the captives were directed to choose their leaders in all fields of human endeavour. “We had our leaders in Islamic affairs, food and general welfare of the camp”, she disclosed.

Mrs. Hannatu, also a returnee, said: “We did the cooking ourselves from the corn provided by Boko Haram. The corns were normally ground, but not filtered, even as the only soup was the local ‘Mia Kuka’  or leaves of baobab tree. We  ate twice daily, except our little children who  ate at random depending on availability of food”.

Commenting on how Boko Haram people conducted themselves, Mrs. Hannatu, a mother of six, confessed that where they were camped was not close to the residence of the Boko Haram leaders. She said there  was a gap of about five to six kilometers between their camp and the Boko Haram leaders residence, adding, “Only gunmen between the ages of 12-14 years stayed with us round the clock as our guards”..

“We only saw the leaders in their motor and motorcycle convoy each time they were going or returning from operations. If they were going for operation, they will stop at a distance. The boys guarding us will run to them for update on our upkeep. Then they will zoom off, their vehicles leaving behind a thick dust. We will only see them again when they are returning from operation; this time around, foodstuff confiscated from the operation will be dropped for us,” she explained.

She disclosed that while cooking in the daytime, they used  underground kitchens to prevent the smoke from attracting the bombardment, of the Nigeria military jet fighters.

Another victim, Rachael Habila was kidnapped from Buni Yadi, Yobe State and taken into captivity by the insurgents the day the Government College there was attacked leading to the killing of over

50 students.

Rachael said she did not know she will survive in the camp because of her religious background as a Christian.

“When I joined them in the camp, about five or six of us that were of the Christian faith were gathered in one place and directed that we should either embrace Islam or be killed”, the 40-year-old school

teacher said.

“We had no option than to embrace Islam and there and then we were provided with Hijab and an Islamic teacher was attached to us. The basic teaching of Islam and how to perform the five daily prayers was our major pre-occupation”.

“Along the line, two of our mates were no longer seen and we continued to puzzle among ourselves that what happened to them will surely happen  to us. But, thank God, we are alive in the IDPs camp today to tell our experience”.

She added that while converting non-Muslims, one of the leaders of the sect whose responsibility it was to do that will only tell you that your name has been changed with the pronouncement of the Muslim name for you and those around him will chorus ‘ ALLAHUAKBAR’, meaning God is great.

Racheal confessed that victims were not  arbitrarily tortured, except if one violated one rule or the other. “But if an  offense to them, which you might not know, is committed, the punishment, which involves flogging, among others, is normally severe and painstaking and, at times, it involves slaughtering of the people depending on the magnitude of the offense to them”, she stated.

Salamatu Musa, 23, was only six months old as a housewife when she was taken away from a  village in Damboa  local government area of Borno State. She said she was kidnapped during a midnight attack on their village by the insurgents during the month of Ramadan last year, adding that they were up to 22 women and over 50 children that were taken into captivity that  night.

According to her, she was two months pregnant when the incident occurred and that she had given birth to a baby girl who is almost four months now and she has not yet been named.

Asked why the baby had not yet been named, Salamatu replied that it should be done by the father of the girl, if he is still alive, pointing out that the naming ceremony will be done if eventually she is back home from the IDPs camp.

Asked whether she was aware that Nigerians went to the polls to elect their leaders recently, she replied that all of them in the Boko Haram captivity had no idea of any election and they were not aware that

Nigerians had elected a new president.

Salamatu disclosed  that following the  military onslaught on the insurgents, they ran into the interior of Sambisa forest towards  Chad and “we were left alone only for the military to discover us”.

She added: “We did not see any Boko Haram fighters  killed by the military. They ran away leaving us and many of their belongings because they were running out of many things for them to operate, including ammunition, food and other essential goods”.

 

Sambisa Forest: I never believed we would make it out alive - Rachael, Christian hostage

Military recovers video recordings of Boko Haram atrocities

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, has confirmed that troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered video recordings of the heinous acts perpetrated by the Boko Haram insurgents.

However, Olukolade refused to disclose further information about the crimes against humanity captured in the video clips in possession of the military.

He said, “It is true that troops have captured some video recordings of the terrorists but I would not want to say anything on that for now.”

Olukolade also confirmed to an Abuja-based media consultancy firm to security agencies, the PR Nigeria, that the videos recovered from the sect were being analysed by the military.

“A number of vital materials, apart from arms and ammunition, have been recovered which are being subjected to intelligent analyses. We don’t want to say much about that now,” Olukolade was quoted as having said.

Investigation revealed that the videos had scenes of  trials, stoning of condemned people to death, amputations, beheading of victims with knives, and summary execution through shooting.

It was learnt that the Joint Investigating Panel of the security agencies had commenced investigation into the activities of the terrorists and would soon present those found to be culpable of these heinous acts for trial.

It was stated that the military was taking the issue of the videos seriously because they were being prepared for posting on You Tube to create fears in the minds of the civil populace.

“Some of the video  clips were meant for release through their normal channels to the public before they were dislodged from their camps. They also show the barbaric life in their so-called caliphate.

“The media and the public are advised to be careful in handling or sharing sensitive and offensive videos depicting atrocities that some viewers may find disturbing,” PR Nigeria quoted a military source as having said.

Military recovers video recordings of Boko Haram atrocities

More terrorists killed, seven camps destroyed in Sambisa Forest

The Defence Headquarters yesterday said that troops fighting Boko Haram insurgents have destroyed ”seven additional terrorists’ camps … as more terrorists also died in the ongoing onslaught to flush them out of Sambisa forest.”

A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Chris Olukolade, also said that ”additional 25 women and children were rescued in the process.”

Olukolade stated, ”the troops who scaled series of land mines in continuation of the assault on the forest bases of the terrorists, captured camps which include the four notorious Alafa camps as well as those in Rogo Fulani, Laraga and others used as training camps in the forest.

”Various weapons including Rocket Propelled Grenades, RPGs, Anti-Aircraft Guns, AAGs, and a number of vehicles were either captured or destroyed during the operation. Four soldiers were wounded and have (been) evacuated for treatment.

”The operations are continuing with troops demonstrating high morale and fighting spirit as they search the forests for terrorists, arms and hostages.”

 

More terrorists killed, seven camps destroyed in Sambisa Forest

Boko Haram in confusion as they run out of fuel and food

Insurgents’ leader’s wife, Adam Bitri, flee; described as short, fat, bearded

Militants tried to sell captive women as army advanced

About 20 women, children crushed or shot during rescue

Fighters spoke of Chibok schoolgirls in large Sambisa camp

By Michael Eboh,      with agency report

Indications emerged, yesterday, that Boko Haram is in disarray, following shortages of weapons and fuel that had caused tensions between its foot soldiers and leaders, women rescued from the Islamist jihadi fighters by Nigerian troops told newsmen.

The group abducted an estimated 2,000 women and girls last year as it sought to carve out an Islamic state in the North-East of Africa’s biggest economy.

watch video of fleeing Boko Haram members

The army has freed nearly 700 in the past week as it advances on Boko Haram’s last stronghold in the vast Sambisa Forest.

Women, who were rescued from the terrorists, said the militants began complaining to their captives about lack of guns and ammunition last month, and many were reduced to carrying sticks, while some of their vehicles had either broken down or lacked gasoline.

A 45-year-old mother of two, Aisha Abbas, who was taken from Dikwa in April, said the fighters all had guns at first, but that recently only some had guns.

Even the wife of their captors’ leader, Adam Bitri, openly criticized him and subsequently fled, two of the women said, with one describing Bitri as short and fat with a beard.

Horror tales

Of the 275 freed captives brought to a government-run camp for internally displaced people in the Malkohi hamlet on the outskirts of Yola, Adamawa State capital, only 61 were over 18, and many small children hobbled around, visibly malnourished.

The women said they were kept inside, occasionally brought food and sometimes beaten severely.

The children were left to run around or do errands for Boko Haram members, while those of the fighters were trained to shoot guns.

One of the women, 18-year-old Binta Ibrahim from northern Adamawa State, said: “One evening in April, Boko Haram followers stood before us and said ‘Our leaders don’t want to give us enough fuel and guns and now the soldiers are encroaching on us in Sambisa. We will leave you’.

“They threatened us, but after they left, we were happy and prayed the soldiers would come and save us.”

Crushed

The women said once the militants spotted two helicopters circling at noon on the day of their rescue, they began trying to sell the women for up to 2,000 naira (about $10) each.

Towards evening, as the army approached, the captives refused to flee with Boko Haram fighters, who began stoning them, but then ran away.

Salamatu Mohamed, from Damboa area in Borno, said: “We heard bullets flying around and laid on the floor.

“Some of the women were crushed (by army vehicles) and others wounded by bullets. 18 were killed. We counted them; they included infants.”

Mohamed said she gave birth, while in captivity and had trouble feeding her newborn as there was not enough food.

The women said the men frequently threatened to sell them or bring them to Boko Haram’s elusive leader, Abubakar Shekau, deep in the forest.

Nigeria has claimed to have killed him several times.

Defence spokesman, Chris Olukolade, told newsmen the man was not a priority target.

Hanatu Musa, a 22-year old mother kidnapped in June last  from Gwoza in Borno State, quoted the fighters as saying their leader had deceived them into fighting and killing in the name of religion.

While the Nigerian army, which launched its counter-attack in January, is confident it has the group cornered in the Sambisa nature reserve, a final push to clear them from the area has been curtailed by landmines.

Elusive Chibok schoolgirls

None of the women interviewed had seen any of the Chibok schoolgirls, but Abbas said fighters, who travelled from a camp in Sambisa where they were held, to source food, would describe the situation.

She said: “They said the Chibok girls were married off this year. Some sold to slavery, then some militants married two or four of the girls.”

Meanwhile, many of the women and girls rescued from Boko Haram are traumatized and showing signs of depression, with psychological counselling urgently needed as they recover in camps, relief officials said Monday.

“For some of them, who are really showing signs of trauma, we need to make them realize that this is not the end of life,” said Sa’ad Bello, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, camp coordinator in Adamawa State.

“They need trauma counselling and psycho-social support to develop coping mechanisms,” he said, adding that many of the female hostages appeared to be suffering from serious depression, after enduring sustained abuse by their Islamists captors.

A total of 275 women and children were brought to a camp in Adamawa’s capital Yola, weekend, following a military operation to free them in Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest stronghold.

NEMA spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, said a priority was to provide “trauma management so they are not treated as outcasts when they go back to society.”

Ezekiel said the authorities were keen to avoid the women being stigmatized in religiously conservative northern Nigeria, with reports Boko Haram may have kept some as sex slaves.

Medical tests would not only check for conditions such as malaria, but sexually transmitted diseases, Ezekiel said.

Killed by landmines, tanks

Two women described how militant fighters tried to force them into marrying rebels after they were captured and how their escape turned to tragedy as about three women were killed by landmines.

Others were crushed by tanks as they hid in the undergrowth of the dense forest to avoid being caught in the crossfire between the soldiers and Boko Haram insurgents.

 

Boko Haram in confusion as they run out of fuel and food

Exclusive Video: Boko Haram Fleeing Bombardment In Sambisa Forest

shown the dexterity of Nigerian Air Force pilots as masters of their trade.

In some exclusive videos obtained by NAIJA CENTER NEWS through PRNigeria, pilots are seen taunting the terrorists with hundreds of the latter running helter skelter and fleeing into different directions. The videos show the dislodged and disorganized terrorists in flight on different directions and running helter-skelter in the expansive forest.

In another footage, the video depict how vulnerable women and children were cautiously and deliberately guided to safety by the Nigerian pilots.

An officer involved in the operation said: “Since the essence of the operation is not to kill everybody in sight, the Air Force pilots deploy their skills in herding both terrorists and their captives in different directions so that those conscripted and abducted were guided to safety zone while the armed terrorists met their waterloos.”

Since they invaded the notorious forest, the Nigerian troops have rescued over 500 females. In the first daring and precise operation, the troops rescued about 300 women and girls while many terrorists camps including Tokumbere were destroyed.

In another operation, that involved Special Forces, another set of 234 women and children were rescued through the Kawuri and Konduga end of Sambisa forest.

Military sources said that the sustained operations deep into the Sambisa forest is being spearheaded by the Air Force through what an officer called “tactical aerial bombardments and guided reconnaissance” with the main objective of decimating and clearing the terrorists from the forest which is their last bastion.

Since this particular operation commenced, several field commanders and foot soldiers of the terrorist group have lost their lives with some armoured personnel carriers, vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns, and several trucks also destroyed by the military.

 

Exclusive Video: Boko Haram Fleeing Bombardment In Sambisa Forest

Nigerian troops rescue another 234 hostages in Sambisa forest

The troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued an additional 234 women and children from the Sambisa Forest.

The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said in a statement on Friday that the women and children were rescued by troops at the Kawuri and Kondua axis of the Sambisa Forest.

Olukolade said that the latest batch of rescued women and children had been moved to join those rescued earlier for screening.

The military rescued 293 ladies comprising 200 girls and 93 women on Tuesday and another 160 women and children comprising 60 women and 100 children on Wednesday.

He said “Another set of 234 women and children were rescued through the Kawuri and Konduga end of Sambisa forest on Thursday.

“They have been evacuated to join others at the place of ongoing screening. This set in addition to the previous individuals earlier rescued during the ongoing operation in the area.

“The assault on the forest is continuing from various fronts and efforts are concentrated on rescuing hostages of civilians and destroying all terrorists’ camps and facilities in the forest.”

Nigerian troops rescue another 234 hostages in Sambisa forest

Again Nigerian soldiers rescue 160 children, women in Sambisa Forest

The military has rescued more women and children from the Sambisa Forest enclaves of Boko Haram insurgents.

Hostages in Sambisa Forest by Boko Haram

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday night, also said that some commanders of the militant Islamist sect were   killed during further raids on the forest.

Special Forces had on Tuesday rescued 293 girls and women from the forest in Borno State.

Tuesday’s success had fuelled speculations that the girls, who are undergoing health checks at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, might be the Chiboks schoolgirls who were abducted by insurgents from their hostel on April 14, 2014.

Although the Defence Headquarters which announced the freeing of the 293   girls and women, said it had yet to ascertain their identities, the Borno State Government claimed that most of them were from Bumsiri,   Damboa Local Government Area.

Usman, in his statement, did not give the number of those freed on Wednesday but our correspondent gathered that they were 160.

He said that a soldier and a woman were killed during the operation that led to the destruction of five additional training camps and facilities of the insurgents. Also, four soldiers and eight women were injured.

The troops, according to Usman, destroyed four more training camps, two Armoured Personnel Carriers, two Buffalo vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns, a truck and several Toyota Hilux vans.

But the soldiers recovered one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade and several AK-47 rifles.

Usman said, “Recall that we promised to keep you abreast of troops’ progress in respect of Nigerian military’s ongoing operations to rid the country of terrorists and their enclaves.

“In line with that, I wish to inform you that in the evening of today (Wednesday), troops of the 7 Division Nigerian Army also cleared several terrorists strong points and training camps within Sambisa Forest.

“The troops have also rescued additional women and children. They have been evacuated to a safe zone for further processing.

Rescued hostages from Sambisa Forest

“During the encounter, unfortunately we lost a soldier while four others were wounded in action.

“The troops killed several Boko Haram field commanders and foot soldiers and destroyed two APCs, two Buffalo vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles.

“The gallant soldiers also recovered one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Rocket Propelled Grenade and several AK-47 rifles. Sadly, one woman died and eight other women sustained gunshot wounds.

“So far, the troops have destroyed nine terrorist camps in the forest.’’

He said that the camps destroyed were in addition to four others destroyed by the military on Tuesday.

According to him, the camps destroyed are Wulari Bukar, Gangala, Anguwar Bakwai and Jigide, Kotorima, Lagara Bello and Lagara Fulani.

Usaman said that the   troops were poised to destroy all the remaining terrorist camps and rescue other hostages in all terrorist enclaves.

Again Nigerian soldiers rescue 160 children, women in Sambisa Forest

Update On Military Operation In Sambisa Forest

Below is A text of Press Briefing by Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on April 30, 2015

-Rescued Women Undergoing Thorough Profiling

-True Identities of some Freed Victims Yet to be ascertained

-Terrorist Field Commanders Killed -Notorious Training Camps Destroyed

-Nigerians being held captives are being freed by Gallant Troops

-hope for the recovery of more hostage of the terrorists

A text of Press Briefing by Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on April 30, 2015

Gentlemen of the press, As you already know, troops have commenced operations deep into the Sambisa forest after sustained aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force. The main objective as you know is to decimate and clear the terrorists from the forest which is their last bastion.

Several field commanders and foot soldiers of the terrorist group have lost their lives, some armoured personnel carriers, Bufallo vehicles mounted with Anti-Aircraft guns, a truck and several Hilux vehicles were destroyed by troops. Also recovered from the fleeing terrorists are a number of Anti-Aircraft guns, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) and several AK 47 rifles.

Unfortunately though, we lost one soldier in the course of the operation while 10 others have so far been wounded.

The true identity of some of the rescued women and girls are yet to be ascertained. At the moment, what is upper most and of priority is their movement to a conducive place where they are now undergoing thorough profiling to verify their true identity, where they come from, how they found themselves in the forest, etc. Additional number of persons are still being recovered from the forest.

Until such comprehensive profiling is done, nobody can confirm whether they are among the Chibok girls or not. Whoever they may be, the important thing is that Nigerians held captive under very severe and inhuman condition have been freed by our gallant troops. The joy and sense of hope being expressed by many Nigerians on hearing about the rescue operation is therefore understandable.

We would like to reassure them that the momentum of this operation will be sustained until that sambisa forest is comprehensively cleaned out and all Nigerians held captive within the bowels of the forest are rescued. There is great hope for the recovery of more hostage of the terrorists. Already, the dislodged and disorganized terrorists are in flight on different directions and running helter-skelter in the expansive forest.

There is no longer any respite or sanctuary for them; they will be pursued and tracked down not minding the daunting challenges in the mission including hundreds of land mines and difficult terrain of the Sambisa forest. It should be noted however that the essence of this operation is not to kill everybody in sight. We encourage any of the combatants who is desirous to surrender to come out, as the forest will no more be tenable as a haven for their activities.

In the same vein, innocent civilians among those in flight are also encouraged to report themselves to the troops. We will continue to treat civilians in the most professional and humane way.

We thank all Nigerians for their continued prayers and support and assure them that Never Again shall forces of darkness reign supreme in our country.

Thank you.

CHRIS OLUKOLADE Major General Director Defence Information

April 30, 2015

Update On Military Operation In Sambisa Forest

Rescued girls undergo pregnancy, HIV tests - Military

The military authorities have taken the 293 women and girls rescued by the Special Forces during a raid on the dreaded Sambisa Forest   to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State.

Kenneth Minimah, Nigeria’s Chief of Army StafNigerian soldiers

An intelligence officer, who made this known to one of our correspondents on Wednesday, also said the women and girls were   undergoing a series of tests, including pregnancy and HIV in the hospital.

The officer also said that seven of the girls had gunshot injuries which were being treated by the medical officials of the UMTH.

Findings indicated that out of the 293 ladies, 200 were aged between 13 and 18, the age brackets of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on April 14, 2014.

When one of our correspondents contacted the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris. Olukolade, to confirm the officer’s information on the rescued females, he   said, “We will talk about it when we are through; we are busy moving them off the line of duty for a thorough screening.

“The military would do everything to take care of them and make them feel not traumatised.”

Our source explained that the military would on Thursday (today) commence a holistic   investigation of the identities of the girls and women after the   tests and treatment.

Another officer told The PUNCH that the DHQ   was being careful with saying who the women and girls were to avoid mistakes.

He said, “This is a sensitive matter that has to be handled with   serious caution. You cannot say before the commencement of the investigation that they are the Chibok girls or not.

“Another thing is that you cannot start asking them if they are from Chibok because of the harrowing experiences or trauma they   have gone through.

“Clearly, it would be too early for anybody to say that Chibok girls are among them or not; they are under custody; they went through trauma and we want to them to have some relief. Those with medical requirements are being treated.

“But the military is very careful.   There is the need to ascertain their true identities.

“There would be individual interrogation of each of those rescued, to ascertain their link with the sect.”

However, the Borno State Government said on Wednesday that most of the ladies were from Bumsiri, a village in Damboa Local Government Area of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information,   Mohammed Bulama, told journalists in Maiduguri   that, “The girls and women rescued are   our daughters just like the Chibok girls. We have to commend the military for liberating them, hoping that the rest will equally be liberated.

“Though everyone had thought they were the Chibok girls, but we should not lose sight that they are as important as the Chibok girls.

“At the moment, we are looking forward to   the time the 293 women/girls would be handed over to us so that we can begin the process of rehabilitating and reintegrating them into the society.”

Also, the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, described the military operation as “gratifying regardless of whether or not the rescued women   formed part of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted by insurgents in 2014.”

Shettima, in a     statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Isa Gusau, said, “I am so full of excitement and gratitude to God. I commend our gallant armed forces for this great feat. For me, the lives, safety and welfare of all citizens of Borno State are of equal importance.

“However, this rescue is also very dear to me. I am as pleased as much as I would be when the Chibok schoolgirls are rescued by the special grace of God. I am very optimistic, prayerful and supportive of the military’s ongoing rescue and counter-insurgency operations.

“We won’t give up on the Chibok schoolgirls like I said two weeks ago. No sane parent gives up on a missing child.

“I have daughters and I know the love of a parent to the girl child. For now, it is better to allow the military handle things, conduct their investigations and ascertain the identities of those rescued but irrespective of the identities of the girls, we are very happy that they have been rescued whether they are citizens of Borno or anywhere else.

“We have abiding faith in God that He will see us through these times and we shall overcome the temporary but traumatic moment of grief. God will set Chibok girls and all Nigerians free from fear and the brutality of Boko Haram insurgents and others in their league.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has appealed to the abductors of the Chibok girls to embrace reconciliation and release them.

A Deputy President of the NLC, Mr. Peters Adeyemi,   said, “We use the opportunity to join in the call for the release of the Chibok girls; we plead with those who abducted them to release them in the spirit of national rebirth and lay down their arms to give way to a reconciliatory dialogue for peace and stability of the nation.”

Rescued girls undergo pregnancy, HIV tests - Military

Sambisa Forest: Rescued girls not Chibok Girls - Nigerian military

Girls rescued from Boko Haram terror camps in Sambisa Forest on Tuesday are “not the Chibok girls,” Nigerian Army spokesman Sani Usman said.

However, one official did not rule out that captives from other Boko Haram camps that were raided might include some of the 200 girls abducted in April 2014 from a school in Chibok.

Nigerian troops rescued 200 girls and 93 women Tuesday in the Sambisa Forest in the northeastern part of the country, the Nigerian Armed Forces announced on its official Twitter account. The forest is a stronghold for the militant Boko Haram group and is not far from Chibok.

Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade said the rescued girls and women are still being screened and none has spoken to their families yet.

The 2014 mass abduction from Chibok led to an international social media movement, #BringBackOurGirls, to rescue them. Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group, has been kidnapping females for years and has hundreds in their custody.

The Tokumbere, Sassa and Tlafa terror camps were raided and destroyed, said a source close to the military. The Tokumbere camp is the most notorious, where the training of small children by Boko Haram is said to have occurred, the source said. Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the operation, but the military did not say how many.

In recent weeks, Nigerian troops and vigilantes moved into the Sambisa Forest. Last Wednesday the troops had to retreat because of explosive devices Boko Haram planted in the forest, according to military sources and a vigilante who was with the troops.

On Monday, troops re-entered the forest and on Tuesday afternoon they raided Boko Haram camps and rescued scores of girls and women.

“We stumbled on the girls and may find more,” Usman said.

Information about the fate of the kidnapped schoolgirls has been spotty and inconsistent, with some school officials giving conflicting figures for the number of girls who were abducted or escaped their captors.

“We have no idea where the Chibok girls are or were,” CNN correspondent Christian Purefoy said Tuesday.

Culled from CNN

Sambisa Forest: Rescued girls not Chibok Girls - Nigerian military