The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) soldiers have kept up the pressure on the terrorists of the criminal Boko Haram (BH/JAS) and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Basin. Recently, all the Sectors of the MNJTF conducted a number of clearance operations with the goal of eliminating the terrorists and denying them the ability to move freely in order to restore peace to the Lake Chad Basin region. To stop the terrorists’ use of logistics, MNJTF troops in Sector 1 (Cameroon) conducted ambush operations on January 22 and 23 in the general vicinity of Kolofata and Kirawa. One terrorist was ultimately captured alive as a result of this, and large amounts of various foodstuffs were also found. However, numerous terrorists escaped the scene after allegedly suffering bullet wounds. This Sector has been quite active in establishing dominance over its territory through both land and maritime operations, particularly in regions like Tchika, Gore Kendi, and Kerena, among others. The local civilian populations were assured of their safety despite no contact being made with the terrorists.
In Sector 2 (Chad), MNJTF personnel have continued to rule the maritime domain from Bagalam to Kongalam to Koulfoua to deny the terrorists freedom of operations, according to Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, the Chief of Military Public Information Office N’Djamena Chad. Around 3,000 inhabitants in the general Bakatorolorom area have returned as a result of additional stabilizing efforts by Sector 2. Also maintaining their hard stance against the militants are the troops from Sector 3 (Nigeria). When Sector 3 troops on patrol on January 18 came across a Boko Haram logistics supplier near Baga who was in possession of motorcycle replacement parts despite a continuing restriction on motorcycle use, the suspect was quickly taken into custody. Relatedly, on January 27, Sector 3 troops were conducting a clearance operation along the Damasak-Gubio road when they came into contact with two suspected BHT/ISWAP terrorists, who immediately fled after spotting the troops. Two motorcycles, two hand grenades, and some terrorist uniforms were later found. The brave troops’ hard pursuit was fruitless, but they controlled the majority of the territory.
By carrying out a series of offensive actions, Sector 4 (Niger) troops have also been active and in charge of their operating region. On January 23, Special Forces soldiers from MNJTF Sector 4 in Niger, with assistance from MNJTF Sector 3 in Nigeria and other allies, carried out a raid operation against a criminal BHT/ISWAP terrorist camp in the vicinity of Matari along the Niger/Nigeria border. Over a dozen terrorists were neutralized, their equipment was destroyed, and two high-value target criminals were captured as a result of the skillfully executed Special Forces operation, which also resulted in the destruction of the enemy camp. No one was hurt on the side of the own soldiers because they were rescued successfully. On January 29, 2013, three suspected terrorist logisticians were ambushed by the valiant soldiers of Sector 4 (Niger), who were responding to intelligence information. They were attempting to purchase supplies for suspected BHT/ISWAP key commanders who were believed to be hiding in Lake Chad when they recovered a total of 1,220,000 naira in old notes and 160000 CFA. Further profiling is being done on criminals who are in custody.
On the same day, 29 January, Sector 4 troops engaged in ongoing offensive operations and carried out a special forces raid operation in the Afofo forest in the Niger Republic. During this operation, the troops destroyed a terrorist camp and captured 36 suspected criminals. As the troops were leaving the scene, they came across a FJ45 Toyota vehicle carrying a variety of pharmaceutical products that may have been being transported to the Lake Chad regions.
In addition, 77 terrorists, including fighters and their families, surrendered to MNJTF Sector 4 troops in the last two weeks. Eight additional terrorists also turned themselves in during that time to MNJTF Sector 1 (Cameroon) and MNJTF Sector 2 (Chad) troops, for a total of 85 surrenderees during that time. Every survivor is handled strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law, and all of them are being profiled for subsequent action by the appropriate governmental and non-governmental groups.
Numerous enemy camps have been destroyed and a large number of terrorists have been neutralized as a result of the interdiction by the MNJTF/Op Hadin Kai Air Component. Through the several Sector Commanders and the air component, the Force Commander of the MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, has expressed his gratitude for the valiant efforts of the MNJTF’s brave soldiers. He has also asked those still hiding in the bush to put down their weapons and surrender. In addition to thanking the strategic partners for their assistance, he pledged to continue assisting the Sectors in completing their mandate and urged further international cooperation and support for the MNJTF.
