The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has kept its troops in a position of offensive combat against the terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Basin. As a result, the MNJTF sectors have had a streak of victories as they step up their efforts to thwart and suppress terrorist threats in the vicinity of their areas of responsibility in an effort to neutralize them. This is in accordance with the FC (Force Commander) MNJTF’s instructions.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, the head of the military public information office, on January 9, 2023, while on patrol along the Kara-Diffa Road, four individuals believed to be Boko Haram/ISWAP logisticians were carrying about 1000 liters of fuel that had been deftly hidden inside plastic bags inside a Toyota Highlander Jeep. Transporting the fuel from Maine Soroa to the Lake Chad Islands may have been done to provide it to suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals. A secret amount of Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (N650.000) was also found. MNJTF Sector 4 troops are in charge of the suspects and the evidence for further investigations.
Another incident, according to Adegboke, occurred on January 11, when MNJTF troops from Sector 3 (Nigeria) stationed in the general area of Kwatan Turare near Baga valiantly repelled an attempt by Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals to infiltrate the area. At the conclusion of the encounter, the troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 1 rocket-propelled grenade, 7 bombs, 2 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of The canoes were immediately sunk.
A similar incident, he continued, occurred on Sunday, January 15, 2023, when an unknown number of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attempted to sneak into Monguno in MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) in the early morning hours. However, they were met by the brave and vigilant troops who engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee in disarray. Three criminals were neutralized by the relentless troops’ pursuit and engagement with them along their escape routes, while many others fled bleeding from gunshot wounds. After the confrontation, the troops also found one AK-47 gun and two magazines. Unfortunately, in this confrontation, a soldier gave his life in the line of duty. The army found and freed 5 young guys who were believed to have been kidnapped when they wandered into the wilderness in search of firewood. During the encounter, 5 brand-new boxer motorcycles were also taken from the militants. Investigations are being conducted to learn where the motorcycles came from and how they got into the Lake Chad Islands. The young males that were rescued are being profiled in the Sector Headquarters while waiting to be processed further.
He further confirmed that 70 terrorists in total had turned themselves in to Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) and Sector 1 soldiers (Cameroon ). The terrorists who were handed up would be handled in accordance with customary practices for such surrenders, which would involve questioning and profiling by the appropriate authorities.
Due to the efforts of the MNJTF Sectors, the FC MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, has urged the forces to maintain their fortitude and this offensive stance until the criminals completely surrender or are annihilated. He underlined the necessity to finally put an end to the terrorists, who had been gravely degraded. He reminded the Force of their duty to always act professionally and in accordance with international humanitarian law. He commended the MNJTF members and their commanders for their bravery and tenacity. He paid respect to the deceased hero and sent the soldier’s family his heartfelt sympathies. He urged the residents of the four nations that make up the Lake Chad basin to support the MNJTF and other security forces in their efforts to put an end to the war by continuing to provide them with relevant information about the criminal elements’ actions.
