Eleven leaders of the Boko Haram Islamist sect, including one of those suspected to be behind the posting of online videos, have been captured in Borno, after men of the Special Force raided Mandara Mountains and Sambisa Forest in the state.
However, the Special Force recorded its own casualties in the gun battle with the insurgents, who are said to be regrouping in the state.
Director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, released a statement confirming the arrest of some Boko Haram leaders but did not disclose the casualty figure. It also confirmed that the Special Force had its own casualty from the raid.
A member of the nine-man team that visited the state to appraise the security situation, led by the Director of Operations in the Defence Headquarters, AVM M. O. Faloyin, said the Special Force has recorded considerable success in curbing excesses of the sect, adding that they had literally relocated to Manadara Mountains, Gwoza and 1 Kirawa Hills.
The source claimed that the land and air raids of the mountains have brought positive results.
“The special troops have captured more than 11 leaders of Boko Haram, including one of the coordinators suspected to be behind the posting of online videos,” he said. “We are hopeful that we will be able to secure these mountains, hills and forests in the next few days. We won’t allow the insurgents any breathing space.”
