Troops Crush Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest, Recover Bomb-Making Gear

Sambisa Forest

In the early hours of 15 May 2025, Nigerian soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai launched a powerful joint offensive with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). Their mission was to sweep through key parts of the notorious Sambisa Forest — long known as a hiding place for Boko Haram fighters.

The operation began around 6 am and continued until noon. Troops targeted three major terrorist strongholds: Garin Malam Ali, Garin Glucose, and Ukuba. The results were swift and bold. As the soldiers stormed the areas, the insurgents fled, abandoning their weapons, tools, and hideouts.

The recovered items included various guns, ammunition, and dangerous materials used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Bomb-making tools were found in several locations, along with metal parts and wires, all meant for building deadly roadside bombs.

Military officers on the ground confirmed that the area was littered with signs of terrorist activities. Abandoned shelters, fresh trenches, and makeshift workshops showed that Boko Haram had been using the area heavily until the soldiers struck.

This bold strike followed an earlier effort two days before. On 13 May 2025, Operation Hadin Kai launched a separate aerial reconnaissance mission in the same forest. Military drones flew over Garin Baaba, another dangerous area in Sambisa.

The drones spotted terrorist camps, and a quick decision was made to hit them hard. A ground and air strike was carried out. Several Boko Haram members were neutralized in that attack, and their weapons destroyed.

During the battle, the soldiers uncovered a stash of weapons and explosive materials. Some of the items found included bomb containers that were meant to be fitted into cars, turning them into Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Other recovered materials included pressure plates, often used to trigger IEDs when stepped on or driven over.

To avoid any danger to nearby communities, the army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams destroyed the bombs safely on-site. They carried out controlled explosions, ensuring no civilian would be harmed by leftover explosives.

Military leaders say Sambisa Forest remains under heavy surveillance, and troops are continuing to explore new areas in the bush. The Nigerian Army is determined to end the threat of Boko Haram once and for all.

One officer, speaking during a press briefing, said, “This is just the beginning. Our troops are not backing down. Every pocket of terrorist resistance will be crushed.”

The operations in Sambisa Forest are part of a broader national effort to bring peace back to the North-East region of Nigeria, where communities have suffered for years due to terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and suicide bombings.

The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) also played a critical role. These are local volunteers who know the terrain well and support the military with intelligence. Their knowledge of forest paths, hidden routes, and escape tunnels helps the soldiers plan surprise attacks.

A CJTF leader told reporters, “We are ready to keep fighting alongside the army until the last terrorist is chased out. Sambisa doesn’t belong to Boko Haram anymore.”

Security experts say that recent victories in Sambisa show that the Nigerian Army is gaining ground. Over the years, Sambisa Forest became a feared location, especially after Boko Haram used it as a base for training, planning attacks, and hiding kidnapped victims, including the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.

With each new operation, the Army not only weakens the terrorists but also sends a strong message to communities that peace is returning.

The Army urged residents of nearby towns like Bama, Konduga, and Gwoza to remain calm but alert. Soldiers are patrolling surrounding areas to ensure that no fleeing insurgents sneak back into the towns.

Local sources in Borno State reported seeing military trucks loaded with seized weapons heading back to base for inspection. Residents cheered as troops returned from the forest, some of them waving Nigerian flags and raising their rifles in the air.

Another resident said, “We can sleep better now. For many years, this forest has been a source of fear. Today, we know our soldiers are winning.”

The Nigerian military has been working hard over the years to defeat Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), who have continued to fight against the state. These groups often plant bombs on roads, attack rural villages, and steal from farms and markets.

But now, the tables are turning. The military has modern surveillance equipment, better-trained troops, and closer cooperation with local communities.

Brigadier General Mohammed Ali, who oversees counterterrorism operations in Borno State, assured the public that this latest Sambisa operation is not a one-time event. “We are pushing deeper into every corner of the forest. This operation will not stop until every camp is found and cleared,” he said.

Families displaced by terrorism in the North-East have also welcomed the news. Many have been living in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps for over five years. They hope these recent military wins will pave the way for safe return to their homes and farms.

In the words of Amina Haruna, a mother of four at the Bakassi IDP Camp in Maiduguri: “We want to go home. We pray the army finishes what they started and gives us our lives back.”

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There’s also support from government officials. The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, praised the military for their bravery. He urged them to keep the pressure on until total peace is restored.

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The Federal Government also expressed satisfaction with the success of Operation Hadin Kai. In a short statement, the Ministry of Defence noted, “Our forces are committed to ending terrorism in Nigeria. The bravery shown in Sambisa Forest this week is commendable and should continue.”

Military insiders hinted that more joint operations are being planned with air support and advanced tracking technology. The aim is to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or building new camps in the region.

Security analysts say that even though some terrorists fled, the clearing of their strongholds is a major step forward. Each weapon seized and each hideout destroyed reduces their ability to launch attacks.

According to retired army officer Col. Adeolu Fadeyi, “This is a war of attrition. Every small win adds up. Clearing Sambisa is like clearing a maze, and we’re seeing real progress.”

Residents have been advised to report any strange activity or unknown visitors in their villages. The military has hotlines in place for tip-offs, and rewards may be given for helpful information.

In the meantime, schools, markets, and places of worship across Borno and Adamawa States are on alert, but many are starting to reopen and function normally again — a sign of hope that peace may be close.

The situation in the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas remains tense, but Nigeria’s recent show of strength is a reminder that the fight against terror is far from over — and the military is not backing down.

For now, the eyes of the nation remain on Sambisa Forest. And with each successful sweep, Nigerians are beginning to believe again — that peace, once lost, is finally making a comeback.