ICC Note
The Nigerian military has forced Boko Haram out of its hiding place in the Sambisa forest. This is a good step in the fight against the terrorist organization, but there are reports that the group moved more than 100 prisoners and captives with them when they fled. This number is certain to include many of the Chibok girls who remain in captivity. The reports have increased fears for the families and friends of these girls, that they may not be released any time soon.
02/07/2018 Nigeria (WorldWatchMonitor) Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and his fighters have fled their base in the Sambisa Forest for Konduga, an area closer to Borno state capital Maiduguri, reports Nigeria’s Daily Trust.
The insurgents have taken with them an “unspecified number” of captives, believed to include the remaining Chibok schoolgirls. Following the January rescue of Salomi Pogu there are thought to be 112 girls still missing of the 276 abducted in 2014.
Nigerian forces raided Boko Haram’s camp in the forest shortly after the insurgents had fled. Military operations in the area had intensified over the last few weeks.
Operational lead, Major General Rogers Nicholas, said his soldiers are now “in the heart of the Boko Haram enclave that is ‘Camp Zairo’” and that troops had taken “complete control” of the Sambisa Forest, the vast, former game reserve in north-eastern Nigeria, which became a Boko Haram stronghold.
It could prove difficult for the army to dislodge Boko Haram from their new base, according to a local villager. He said the area, which is fed by “plenty of streams and rivers”, would give the insurgents “a military advantage”.
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