Troops Overrun Terrorist Hideout in Sambisa Forest

Maiduguri, Borno State – In a decisive operation conducted today, May 15, 2025, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), successfully raided terrorist strongholds within the notorious Sambisa Forest. The aggressive patrol and clearance operation, which took place between 6 am and 12 pm, targeted key insurgent locations identified as Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, and Ukuba.

According to a statement released by the Headquarters of the Nigeria Army, the joint forces effectively invaded these enclaves, compelling the insurgents to flee and abandon a significant cache of arms and ammunition. The recovered items also included various materials used in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), highlighting the disrupted capacity of the terrorists to conduct further attacks.

Military sources indicate that these locations within the Sambisa Forest have been long-term hideouts for Boko Haram elements and potentially some factions of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The Sambisa Forest, a vast and historically challenging terrain for military operations, has been a key base for insurgents for over a decade. Recent reports suggest that while ISWAP had previously gained dominance in some parts of the forest, remnants of Boko Haram continue to operate within its expansive territory.

The Army Headquarters stated that the exploitation of the Sambisa Forest is ongoing, suggesting that troops are continuing to search the area for further recoveries and to ensure the complete dismantling of terrorist presence in these locations.

This successful operation comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to combat the persistent insurgency in the northeastern region. While details regarding casualties on the insurgents’ side are yet to be fully ascertained, the recovery of weapons and IED-making equipment marks a significant blow to their operational capabilities.

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The cooperation between the military and the CJTF, a local vigilante group, has been crucial in gaining intelligence and navigating the complex terrain of the Sambisa Forest. This joint effort underscores the collaborative approach being employed to tackle the insurgency.

Residents of Borno State will likely welcome this news as a positive step towards enhancing security and stability in the region, which has been ravaged by years of terrorist activities. Further updates on the ongoing operation are expected from the Nigerian Army.