The forces of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have been conducting well-coordinated land and air offensives, codenamed OPERATION LAKE SANITY, which has led to the elimination of over 10 Boko Haram and ISWAP Top Commanders and 100 terrorists hibernating along the fringes of the Lake Chad.
Some of the areas cleared include Zanari, Arina Woje, which served as a major fabrication workshop, Asagar, Larki, and Garere. Other areas cleared include Kerenoa, Wurje, Arege, Abadam, Doron Lelewa, Kolaram, and several other locations around the Islands.
The Chief of Military Public Information, MNJTF Headquarters, Colonel Muhammad Dole, made this known in a statement.
“Within the period of this operation, well over a hundred terrorists have been neutralised including over 10 top commanders neutralised following intelligence-driven lethal airstrikes in the Lake Chad islands by the combined Air Taskforces. Some of the commanders include Abubakar Dan Buduma, Abubakar Shuwa, Abu Ali and Abu Jubrilla among others.
“Relatedly, sophisticated weapons of different calibres were either destroyed or captured- including a 105 mm artillery piece, several canoes/boats, motorcycles, bicycles, other terrorists’ equipment, several Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making factories, and bunkers were destroyed. In the course of the operation, a significant number of innocent citizens, mostly women and children, held captive by the criminals were rescued. Large quantity of foodstuff (grains), fuel dumps, illicit drugs, terrorists’ uniforms, and other households materials were recovered and destroyed immediately.”
According to him, BHT/ISWAP terrorists have resorted to the indiscriminate laying of IEDs and the use of Vehicle Borne Explosive Devices attacks.
“One pattern noticed in the operation is that the criminals hastily withdraw and avoid making contact with the approaching troops. They rely on suicide vehicle-borne attacks. About four different such attacks have so far targeted the determined troops who have not been deterred. Sadly, eighteen soldiers- including an officer have been wounded in these attacks and have been evacuated to various military medical facilities for treatment, while three soldiers and one member of the CJTF paid the supreme sacrifice,” he added.
He maintained that despite the challenges, the troops remain focused and determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists in the Lake Chad islands.
Meanwhile, the Force Commander (FC) MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, has commended the Deputy Force Commander, sector commanders, other officers, and especially the gallant officers and men of MNJTF and other operations, including the CJTF actively operating in the field for their courage and commitment.
Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Eliminates 43 BTH/ISWAP Terrorists In Niger Republic
