7th May, 2016
Ayorinde oluokun/Abuja
Nigerian Army on Saturday gave updates on the ongoing Operation Crackdown embarked upon to root out Boko Haram terrorists from the expansive Sambisa forest in North East Nigeria.
In the statement signed by Sani Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations on Saturday, the latest feat of the troops include continuous clearance of Boko Haram from different areas they have marked out as their enclaves, rescue of people who have been held hostage by the terrorist group, recovery of various types and grades of arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles abandoned by the insurgents.
In addition the Army spokesperson also said the troops were able to intercept suspected members of the insurgents, including three Ameers (head) of trade groups providing carpentry, tailoring and automobile mechanical services to the insurgents as they were escaping from the Sambisa forest.
Also captured by the military were men who claimed to belong to ‘fighters’ cadre of Boko Haram and have taken part in the many attacks carried out by the group. 
In the update, Colonel Usman said: “Troops of 26 and 223, Battalions, Army Headquarters Strike Group and Armed Forces Special Forces have continued offensive operations in furtherance of Operation CRACKDOWN. The troops have cleared remnants of Boko Haram in Izza and Njima general area.
“Although they did not encounter any Boko Haram terrorists, there were noticeable fresh footprints, motorcycle and bicycle tyre marks in the seemingly abandoned places.
However, the troops came across and recovered 8 abandoned vehicles belonging to Boko Haram terrorists.
“The advancing troops also cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts along the way including their camps at Bula Buba and its environs where they recovered 1 Hilux, 1 Canter truck, 15 AK-47 rifle magazines, a 60mm High Explosive Bomb, 200 G3 rifle magazines, 3 Browning Machine Gun tripod stands and a 60mm mortar bipod stand. 
“Other recoveries include several metal links of 7.62mm (NATO) and 12.mm ammunitions.
“In their area of operations, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion today, intercepted 35 civilians comprising 6 men, 7 women, 7 males minors and 15 minor females who claimed to be coming from Balaganje village.
“However, preliminary investigation reveals that they had been living in Balaganje as captives by Boko Haram terrorists who threatened to kill them if they attempt to escape. They are being investigated further.
“In a related development, quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists have continued to surrender. Yesterday, out of 16 male adults that came along with their families to troop’s from Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in the Dure district, 7 of them confessed to be Boko Haram terrorist members.
“However, on proper interrogation, the suspects confirmed to be Boko Haram terrorists with some of them having specialized trade and status.
“Three of them were Ameers (leaders) in the Boko Haram terrorist group’s hierarchy; for instance, Hamidu Buba was found to be the Ameer (leader) of tailors, while Musa Buba is Ameer of mechanics and Ali Idrissa, an Ameer of carpenters.
“The others confessed to be “Rijan” (fighters) adding that they have participated in various Boko Haram attacks on so many villages and towns. They further stated that the ongoing crackdown operation is really taking its toll on them as they can barely survive.
“As a matter of fact, they confessed that they were all fed up with the situation which has become worse as a result of Operation CRACKDOWN. They also stated that the Boko Haram terrorists have ran out of food and they now survive on roots and unripe mangoes. They also said 2 of their members sent for food were killed at Frigi crossing point some days earlier by troops, (you may recall that we reported the military’s ambush at the crossing point).
“The troops of 122 Task Force Battalion injunction with some elements of 26 Task Force Brigade on receipt of information from some escapees, embarked a clearance patrol to Fadagwe Muni, along Yamtake-Gwoza road. On sighting the troops, the suspected Boko Haram terrorists fled and left behind an abducted 16 year old female cripple.
“The terrorists also abandoned large stock of grains stored in underground pit. Other items recovered include grinding machine, 2 tricycles and 1 photographs printer. The troops nevertheless pursued the fleeing insurgents and killed some of them.
“Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion also conducted clearance operation at Kadera Dam and Anguwar Fulani, while troops of 192 Battalion that conducted similar operation to Guduf, Nagadio, Duma and Kusarha.
“The Boko Haram terrorists ran to the top of the mountains and they were engaged heavy mortar fire.
The 7 Division and its supporting elements has also intensified the clearance and rescue operations deep inside Sambisa forest. On Friday, they had encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Alafa in which they cleared all the terrorists hibernating there.
“The troops in various axis have continued to exploit further till they accomplish the mission of Operation CRACKDOWN.
“In a related development, vigilant 7 Division Garrison, have arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram terrorists fuel suppliers with 2 Golf Volkswagen vehicles with registration numbers Borno MAG-112XA and Borno AA739-KBG.
“They were arrested at NNPC Mega Filling Station, along Damboa Road, Maiduguri.
“The two suspected Boko Haram terrorists modified the booth of their cars with constructed tanks to take in more fuel for their accomplices hiding in the forests. One of the reconstructed tanks contained150 litres of petrol, while the other was empty.
Both suspects have been handed over to the Joint Intelligent Centre for further interrogation.”