In a significant victory against terrorism, Nigerian troops have killed Boko Haram’s chief bomb maker, Amirul Bumma, and eight other insurgents during a clearance operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity 4, targeted a fortified enclave between Sabil Huda and Njimiya, near Alai Dala Stand, in Bama Local Government Area.
Military sources revealed that the troops, comprising the 21 Armoured Brigade, 199 Special Forces Battalion, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hybrid forces, acted on intelligence indicating that insurgents were regrouping in the area. The insurgents, caught off guard, attempted to resist but were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
“The terrorists had even brought hospital beds to the battlefield, intending to evacuate their casualties, which shows the devastating blow they suffered,” a security source disclosed.
In addition to neutralizing the insurgents, the troops recovered a significant cache of high-caliber ammunition. However, in a desperate retaliation attempt, Boko Haram fighters planted multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the troops’ withdrawal route. The troops successfully detected and neutralized about 10 IEDs, averting potential casualties.
Maj. Gen. Abubakar Haruna, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, commended the troops for their gallantry and reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in the Northeast and across Nigeria.
Insurgents Attack Police Station in Malari
In a separate incident, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday. The assault, which occurred around 1 a.m., was repelled by police officers on duty with support from the military.
Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the attack, stating that the coordinated response of the police and soldiers forced the insurgents to retreat after a fierce gun battle.
“There were no casualties on our side. The terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), damaging its tyres, but the vehicle remained intact,” Daso explained. He added that while no insurgent bodies were recovered, it was likely that some attackers were killed during the exchange.
Daso reassured residents of Malari that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to prevent future attacks. “Malari was once a ghost town, but since the deployment of our crack team, we have repelled multiple attacks and ensured the safety of the community,” he said.
However, local residents expressed fears that the insurgents might regroup and launch another attack, potentially targeting civilians. “We appreciate the efforts of our security forces, but we urge them to further strengthen security in the area,” a resident said anonymously.
This attack follows a similar incident at the Nganzai Police Division, where two officers were killed in a Boko Haram assault. The police had previously reported that the officers repelled the attack despite the terrorists using hand grenades, one of which fatally wounded two personnel.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, praised the bravery of the officers and extended condolences to the families of the fallen.
The recent operations highlight the ongoing challenges in the fight against terrorism in Northeast Nigeria, even as security forces continue to make significant strides in dismantling insurgent networks.
