Troops uncover ISWAP terrorists underground armoury, recover srms catche in Sambisa Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

The troops of 21 Armoured Brigade Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) insurgents in Sambisa Forest, in  Borno State.

It was gathered that the troops discovered the  massive armoury with arms and ammunition when they invaded Ukuba camp in the fringes of Bama Local Government area, as part of ongoing counter terrorists Operation Desert Sanity II on May 13, 2023. 

This is coming nearly two weeks after the troops raided the same camp  and recovered six anti-aircraft guns, four Ak 47 rifles, several quantities of IEDs making materials,  a cache of magazines, and a Hilux vehicle mounted with an Anti Aircraft Gun.

Intelligence Sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that the large quantities of weapons was discovered in hidden dug pits concealed by the terrorists group.

The sources said that this time,  several variants of Rocket Propelled Grenade Tubes, SMG Rifle, Double Barrel gun, 50 hand grenades bombs, 5 SMK bombs among others were recovered. 

Others included; 183 Shilka rounds, several  IEDs making materials, Non electric detonators, many already prepared IEDs, as well as several canister bombs. 

The sources said that as the troops were withdrawing from the general area, one  terrorist  was seen and naturalized while one Ak47 rifle and other items were recovered from him.

The sources said that the troops successfully evacuated the arms  from the scene after clearing the general area, noting that the troops morale and fighting spirit have been further boosted by the outcome of the operations so far.