Military: "We Bombed Boko Haram Camps, Many Terrorists Destroyed"

Maiduguri - According to Nigerian army, 'many' Boko Haram insurgents were neutralized in the course of air attack on terrorist camps in Borno state.

Sambisa forest, which is considered to be an extremist fiefdom and has become a key focus of the military's ongoing offensive, has been targeted last Sunday.

The news of the storm was scarce and slow as the mobile phone network in Borno remains switched off. This is said to be part of the military strategy to hamper communication between the militants.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Borno's capital Maiduguri, area army spokesman Mohammed Dole

"Our men have identified and destroyed some camps of terrorists along the Sambisa area and the operation was a huge success," the spokesman said. "I cannot tell you the exact number of the terrorists killed but... many of them have been killed during the airstrike, which, we strongly believe, was precise".

Inside sources say 'dozens' of Boko Haram militants were likely destroyed in the attack.

Area residents report the airstrike began at night and 'raged' till morning hours of Monday.

It will be recalled that earlier this month, the Government extended the emergency rule that was first imposed in May in the Nortern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, thus granting the military added powers for another six months to flush out or kill the rebel fighters.

Also, on November 13, the United States declared Boko Haram and its linked organisation Ansaru international terrorist organisations.

AFP