There are indications that Sambisa forest will remain in the news for a long time to come. Since the April 14, 2014 abduction of over 200 girls from their school in Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram terrorists, Sambisa has received constant mention is the news.
This time, the Nigerian Air Force says it lauched fresh air strikes on the forest. According to Airforce Director of Public Relations, Dele Alonge, the operation is to chase the militants out of the Sambisa forest.
The statement reads in part, “The strike missions came after several weeks of tactical reconnaissance by the reconnaissance/ surveillance aircraft.
“The air strikes carried out by F-7NI and Alpha Jet fighter aircraft, as well as attack helicopters have resulted in the degradation of the terrorist’s capabilities and destruction of some of their strong holds.
“Intelligence report revealed that as aftermath of the strike missions, the terrorists have been confined and their capabilities greatly reduced, thereby restricting their nefarious activities to small scale attacks and suicide bombings.
“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar assures all Nigerians that the air efforts would be sustained until the Boko Haram activities becomes a thing of the past.”
On Friday, a re-assessment of ongoing military operation in the counter-terrorism efforts in the North East was carried out by the country’s service chiefs who visited Borno state. The team was led by the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.
