Several Boko Haram fighters killed as military intensifies Sambisa Forest offensive

Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have intensified clearance efforts in the Sambisa Forest, eliminating several Boko Haram insurgents during a major operation near Garin Baaba on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The raid, part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle terrorist strongholds in the region, was launched following aerial reconnaissance that pinpointed enemy locations deep within the forest. This intelligence-led mission allowed ground forces to move in and engage the terrorists in a swift and forceful operation.

This was made known in a statement by the Nigerian Army on Wednesday .

“As part of ongoing efforts to flush out terrorists from the Sambisa Forest, on 13 May 2025, troops of OPERATION HADIN KAI conducted aerial reconnaissance, identifying enemy positions at Garin Baaba.

“A subsequent encounter resulted in the neutralization of several Boko Haram terrorists. During the operation, troops recovered and destroyed various arms and ammunition, including: Bomb containers intended for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) Pressure plates. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams safely detonated the explosive materials on-site. Clearance operations in the area are ongoing,” the statement read.

Recall that the Defence Headquarters had earlier emphasized that clearance missions in Sambisa and its environs remain ongoing, aimed at rooting out the remnants of terrorist cells and re-establishing safety across affected communities.