Sambisa Forest: From Wildlife Haven to Jihadist Stronghold

Sambisa Forest, located in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, spans vast semi-arid woodlands and savanna, covering parts of several states including Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi. Once a thriving game reserve established during British colonial rule and gazetted in 1958, it was home to diverse wildlife like elephants, leopards, hyenas, ostriches, and numerous bird species amid acacia and baobab trees.

In the 1970s, it attracted tourists for safaris, offering a glimpse of Nigeria's rich biodiversity. However, poaching, deforestation, and later abandonment due to security issues led to the decline of its animal populations.

The Rise as a Terrorist EnclaveTragically, Sambisa transformed into one of the most notorious hideouts for Islamist insurgents. Since the early 2010s, it became a primary base for Boko Haram, the jihadist group founded by Mohammed Yusuf and later led by Abubakar Shekau. The forest's dense terrain, vast size (around 60,000 square kilometers), hilly regions like the Gwoza Hills near the Cameroon border, and natural cover made it an ideal sanctuary; shielding fighters from airstrikes, enabling training camps, weapon storage, and hostage holding.
The forest gained global infamy in April 2014 with the kidnapping of over 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, many believed to be held in Sambisa. It served as a launchpad for attacks, contributing to thousands of deaths and displacements during the insurgency's peak.

Fractures and Factional Fighting

In 2016, Boko Haram split: Shekau's faction (Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, or JAS) retained Sambisa, while the breakaway Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), aligned with ISIS, operated mainly around Lake Chad. Ideological differences—Shekau's indiscriminate violence versus ISWAP's more "governed" approach—led to rivalry.
The turning point came in May 2021 when ISWAP launched a major offensive, overrunning Sambisa, cornering Shekau (who reportedly killed himself), and capturing much of the forest. Many JAS fighters defected or surrendered, weakening the original Boko Haram. ISWAP gained control, establishing a chain of strongholds and using the forest's strategic roads toward Maiduguri.

Ongoing Military Efforts

The Nigerian military has conducted repeated operations to clear Sambisa. Notable campaigns include 2015-2016 offensives that freed hundreds of captives (though not always the Chibok girls), and declarations of "victory" like in 2016 when "Camp Zero" was captured. However, remnants persisted.

As recently as late December 2025, under Operation Hadin Kai and "Operation Desert Sanity V," Nigerian troops advanced into Sambisa, destroying camps in areas like Ukuba and Parisu, recovering arms, and neutralizing threats. Supported by U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) flights, these efforts continue to degrade ISWAP and any remaining Boko Haram elements. Thousands of hostages have been rescued over the years, and mass surrenders have occurred.
Despite progress, pockets of insurgents remain, using the forest's challenging terrain for guerrilla tactics. Calls persist for full reclamation to restore it for conservation, agriculture, or development—perhaps even turning parts into infrastructure like roads.
Sambisa's story is one of profound loss: from a serene wildlife reserve to a symbol of terror, and now a battleground for peace. Sustained operations offer hope that it may one day reclaim its natural legacy.