By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Theatre Commander of   Operation Lafiya Dole in Northeastern part of Nigeria, Major General Lucky Irabor has said that troops would soon embark on massive demining and clearance of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that were planted on farmlands by terrorists in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

He said the decision became necessary following the arrival of machines and equipment for demining IEDs which were purchased by the Federal Government. Irabor further described the latest video which was released by the Boko Haram group as a propaganda material.

He said this yesterday in Maiduguri while briefing newsmen on the ongoing operations by troops against insurgents in the last one month. In addition, he said there were still farmlands at the Sambisa Forest that needed to be cleared of explosives before they could be accessed by returnee  farmers.

He said: “On July 23, 2016, at about 0530hrs, our troops sprung an ambush against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) elements between Komala and Musanfanari villages. Some BHT elements on motorcycle and bicycle were engaged while trying to cross the Sambisa Forest. Consequently, two BHT were killed while several items were recovered which include two   AK47 rifles, four loaded AK47 magazines, assorted food items, laundry items, a motorcycle, two bicycles and assorted clothing.

“Similarly, On July 28, 2016 at about 0700hrs, our troops conducted a clearing operation in Shuwari and the adjoining villages. The villages were successfully cleared and all BHT structures were destroyed. In all, five BHT were killed while a dane gun and a bicycle were recovered. Also, some food items which were found in several houses were destroyed. Additionally, 13 suspected hostages comprised of a man, 6 women, and 6 children were rescued.

“On July 29, 2016 at about 1830hrs, our troops embarked on an ambush operation in a suspected BHT crossing point off Dambowa – Kubwa road towards Multe village axis. As troops waited, some BHT elements on bicycles appeared and were accordingly engaged. Consequently, one BHT was killed. Items recovered include an AK47 rifle with 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a Dane gun, a locally fabricated double barrel pistol and four bicycles’’

On the latest video released by the sect, Irabor, said: “The video is an attempt to get support. I, therefore, implore you all to inform the public to be rest assured that there is no cause for alarm as far as the degradation of BHT capabilities is concerned.