Sambisa
Case Number
20240701WO
Case Date of Filing
01/07/2024
Suspected/Known Time of Incident
Local Time and Date:N/a On going
GMT/Zulu Time and Date: N/a
Case Researcher(s)
Project Managers Bertram Woolley & Harvey Stevens
Summary
Project Khthon is focusing on identifying the locations of Boko Haram (BH) terrorists, that are hiding within the Sambisa Forest. By utilizing advanced Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Satellite Intelligence (SATINT), Project Khthon aims to to create a list of potential locations where BH militants might be hiding. This includes monitoring movements, identifying patterns, and analysing satellite images to detect camps and hideouts within the dense forest. This targeted approach will enable the Nigerian military to conduct more effective operations, potentially rescuing hostages and dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
Through these efforts, Project Khthon is committed to aiding in the elimination of Boko Haram and restoring peace and security in the region. The strategic use of advanced intelligence techniques aims to provide crucial support to the Nigerian government's mission against terrorism.
References:
"After 10 Years, Army Rescues Over 300 Civilians From Boko-Haram Captivity In Sambisa Forest" - Naija News (Naija News)
"Army Rescues 387 Boko Haram Family Members From Sambisa Forest" - Channels Television (Channels Television)
"Nigerian Troops Rescue Another Chibok Girl In Sambisa Forest" - Ripples Nigeria (MilVet Benefits)
"Hundreds of hostages rescued from Boko Haram in Nigeria" - Christian Post (Christian Post)
Case Location
The Sambisa Forest, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a dense region. The forest has become infamous as a stronghold for Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist group that has been using the forest as a base for its operations since 2013. This group has caused significant loss of life, biodiversity loss, as well as severe socio-economic disruption in the region.
Boko Haram has carried out numerous atrocities not only in the Sambisa Forest but also across northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Their brutal activities include mass kidnappings, such as the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014, bombings, and village massacres. Regions like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states have been particularly affected, with countless villages attacked and thousands of civilians killed or displaced. The group has also extended its terror into the Lake Chad Basin and parts of Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. It is to note that, the Sambisa forest does not contain all of BH and for example one of the 2014 Chibok school girls was found 150km away from the incident, this shows the extent to which BH operate in the Sahel and therefore it must not be assumed that all the answers lie in the Forest.
Latitude/Longitude (WGS84):
11°22'43.19"N 13°27'24.58"E
Town/Region/Country:
Pulka-Konduga/Borno/Nigeria
Individual Incident Locations
Potential location 1
11°27'57.33"N 13°27'46.03"E
A small site, with access to a river. 25km away from Bama where 3 separate incidents occurred in 05/2024. Including on 29/05/2024 the surrender of 3 BH militants including their families. Suggesting the location they had been living was nearby/ within 1/2 days march.
Potential location 2
11°25'9.89"N 13°28'44.12"E
A collection of what appear to be huts from aerial view. The location is 20km north of the recent skirmish BH had on 13/05/2024, Nigerian troops clashed with BH during a raid at Sambisa Forest Reserve (Gwoza, Borno). The militant enclaves raided included those at Shababul Umma, Garin Panel Beater and Lagara Anguwan Gwaigwai.
Potential location 3
11°24'45.64"N 13°28'36.02"E
This location is made up of roughly 4 huts and one larger building, it has good access to both water and paths/transports heading North/South. It is 25km South West of Bama. 20km North of 13/05/2024 skirmish and 50km west of the ‘Extreme North’ of Cameroon where several attacks have occurred by BH in late 02/2024 (Kolofata) to early 04/2024 (Pulka).
Potential location 4
11°18'28.52"N 13°31'26.72"E
Situated in a dense forest, located 3km away from ‘Zuwa’ (11°17'20.01"N 13°32'31.08"E) which has paths/roads connecting to larger settlements. There is also local access to water from the river nearby and the size of the settlement could accommodate a large group. The size of the buildings, proximity to other settlements and sighting of farmland does not align with guerilla warfare tactics used by BH or ISWAP
Potential location 5
11°18'59.66"N 13°27'22.94"E
This location is only 9km North East of the 13/05/24 skirmish, it has river access 0.5km to the East and also has a man-made water store/paddy/field to the north of the collection of huts, which are dispersed and number 30+, none however are larger than 5 metres nor are made of corrugated metal etc, suggesting no desire to become a larger target. Looking back through historic SATINT though, the settlement has been there since 2012 which does not align with BH or ISWAP pattern of moving locations regularly.
Suspected or Known Aggressors:
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Group/Tribe/Militia/Organisation: Boko Haram
Suspected/Known Quantity of Participants: Estimated that Boko Haram has between 1,500 to 5,000 active fighters in total. Only <30 have been seen at one time in this area during an attack in the area of Tourou on the 25th February 2024.
Aggressor Evidence Below:
