by Rachel Ogbu

Reports confirm on Friday February 1, security forces in helicopter gunships launched an attack which killed 17 militants and destroyed two training camps allegedly owned by extremist sect, Boko Haram in Borno State.

Earlier in the week, Sheik Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulazeez declared a ceasefire, urging members to halt attacks but violence by suspected sect members has persisted, raising doubts about the commander’s authority. On Thursday, gunmen killed at least five policemen in two attacks in northern Nigeria.

The Federal Government said it would not cease military operations to maintain security despite the announcement.

According to reports, one of the camps destroyed was located in a forest and the other in a game reserve.

Spokesman for the Joint Military and Police Forces in Borno State, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, said one soldier was killed in the firefights, which cast fresh doubt on a ceasefire declared by one purported Boko Haram commander.

“The camp was properly fortified and had training facilities, an armoury, accommodation, a drug store, kitchen, vehicle holding area, latrine and water points,” Musa said.

It was not clear which of the two camps he was referring to.

“The camp was used to conduct training and carry out recent attacks, killings and bombings,” he said.

Borno is the sect’s headquarters and the worst affected by the insurgency.

There was no immediate reaction from Boko Haram.