Operation crackdown launched in sambisa forest

Operation Crackdown is a military operation launched by the Nigerian Army in 2016 to clear the Sambisa Forest of Boko Haram terrorists. The operation was launched in response to the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014.

The Sambisa Forest is a vast and remote area in northeastern Nigeria that has been a stronghold of Boko Haram for many years. The forest is located in Borno State, which has been the epicenter of the insurgency.

Operation Crackdown was launched in February 2016, with the aim of flushing out Boko Haram terrorists from the Sambisa Forest and other parts of Borno State. The operation involved thousands of troops from the Nigerian Army, as well as troops from neighboring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.

The operation was marked by intense fighting between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram terrorists, with both sides suffering significant losses. The Nigerian Army reported that over 1,000 Boko Haram terrorists were killed during the operation, while the terrorists claimed to have killed hundreds of Nigerian soldiers.

Despite the challenges faced during the operation, the Nigerian Army reported significant successes, including the capture of several key towns and villages in the Sambisa Forest. The operation also led to the rescue of several hostages, including women and children who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Operation Crackdown was part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to defeat Boko Haram and restore stability to the northeastern region of the country. The operation was supported by the international community, including the United States, which provided military assistance and training to the Nigerian Army.

Overall, Operation Crackdown was a significant military operation that helped to weaken Boko Haram's capabilities and push the terrorists out of their stronghold in the Sambisa Forest. However, the insurgency is still ongoing, and the Nigerian government continues to face challenges in defeating the terrorists and restoring stability to the region.