The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in its bid to curb the menace of terrorism in the Lake Chad Region, have continued to make impressive gains in the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity.
MNJTF troops from Nigeria and Chad alongside Operation Hasin Kai, according to Lt-Col Kamarudeen Adegoke, Chief of Military Public Information Officer, N’Djamena, stormed the general area of Tumbun Rago, Tumbun Dilla and Jamina settlement deep inside the Lake Chad Islands.
He stated that “the troops alongside the follow up air strikes by the MNJTF/Operation Hadin Kai led to the neutralization of over 25 terrorists as well as the recovery of one AK-47 Rifle, one Anti Aircraft gun, and hundreds of assorted ammunition.
“Also, recovered was a Guntruck bearing the Cameroon Gendarmes Logo, loaded with fuel wich was recovered and destroyed.
“Equally, household items including uniforms and 11 BH/ ISWAP motorcycles were recovered and burnt, while two water-pumping machine were also confisticate and the entire camp burnt.
“In their haste to escape, the criminals left their five-year old child named Babagana, the child who is in good condition will be handed over to the relevant authority,” he said
In a related development, Adegoke said troops of MNJTF captured a high ranking BH/ ISWAP member named Musa Mani (43 years) at Damasak, who confessed to be running away due to the intensity of the operation.
“He is currently being profiled in line with International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law,” he said.
Similarly, troops of MNJTF (Cameroon) launched a simultaneous Amphibious and Land offensive in the BH/ ISWAP infested riverine community of Kirta Wulgo.
“Five BHTs/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized while others fled.
“The troops also cleared Gurmuchi Abuja, and recovered two AK-47 Mlmagazines, BHTs flags, ammunition links, one Anti aircraft gun, assorted ammunition and grenades, while BHTs uniforms found were burnt.
“Operation Lake Sanity also saw troops of MNJTF (Niger Republic) dealing a decisive blow to the BH/ISWAP who attacked their location at Baroua.
“The gallant troops successfully repelled the attack, neutralized eight BH/ISWAP terrorists and recovered six AK rifles, assorted ammunition, two RPG Bombs and five mobile phones among other items”.
The military spokesman said that in the course of these operations, a member of the Civillian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supporting MNJTF operations in the Tumbuns paid the supreme sacrifice, adding that his remains have been airlifted to his community.
Adegoke also said seven Soldiers from Chad and Niger suffered minor degrees of injuries and are being attended to at different military facilities.
“The Force Commander MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has paid tribute to the fallen hero, describing the CJTF as courageous young men and women who have contributed immensely to the Counter Insurgency operations.
“He also commended and praised the gallantry and commitment of all the MNJTF Forces and urged them to maintain the momentum until the criminals are totally destroyed or surrender”.
