The Nigerian military has said that several Boko Haram leaders were killed and others, including the presumed leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau, wounded in a raid on Sambisa Forest last Friday by the Nigerian Air Force.
Shekau and other injured leaders of the insurgency group, escaped and are being tracked by Nigerian troops.
Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, in a statement late on Monday announced the attack, saying the insurgents were taken unawares.
“The air interdiction took place last week Friday 19th August 2016, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State.
“Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While their leader, so called “Abubakar Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded,” the statement read.
Sambisa is believed to be the last major hideout of the insurgents and the unfavourable terrain has made it very difficult for the military gain entrance into the heart of the forest and this raid presents a major victory as government forces try to mop up what is left of them.