In a concerted effort to bolster free movement and revitalise economic activities across the Lake Chad Basin region, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has significantly increased its clearance operations within the Lake Chad basin.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief of Military Public Information for the MNJTF, this escalation has yielded promising results, including the surrender of multiple terrorists and the interception of a substantial arms shipment intended for insurgent use.
From February 10 to 20, all four sectors of the MNJTF reported various successes, reflecting heightened troop effectiveness through the surrender of terrorist elements, offensive operations, and the disruption of arms smuggling.
Troops from Sector 1 MNJTF, based in Mora, Cameroon, achieved a notable victory in the engagement at Soueram, resulting in the neutralisation of two Boko Haram terrorists and the confiscation of 92 linked ammunition belts. This operation enhanced local safety and disrupted the terror group’s supply routes.
Additionally, on February 10 and 19, two Boko Haram members surrendered to troops in Sectors 2 and 3, stationed in Litri, Chad, and Doron Baga, Nigeria, respectively. The surrendered insurgents handed over a cache of arms and ammunition, including an AKM rifle, an AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and 29 rounds of 7.62-millimetre Special Ammunition.
Sector 2 Bagasola, Chad, troops conducted impactful offensive operations in Tchokou, a Lake Chad Island, inflicting casualties on Boko Haram elements and recovering three “teke-teke” canoes, among other logistical items. Furthermore, on February 19, troops recovered five 155-millimetre-high explosive shells used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), diminishing the terrorist factions’ operational capabilities.
In a coordinated effort, the Chadian Air Force executed a successful air strike on February 20th, targeting Boko Haram strongholds along the southern rim of Lake Chad near the Chad-Cameroon-Nigeria border. The strike resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of their equipment, with some terrorists believed to have perished after jumping into the lake from their boats.
In Sector 4 Diffa, Niger Republic, MNJTF troops thwarted an arms smuggling attempt north of Nguigmi near the Niger-Chad border on February 10, seizing a significant cache of weapons, including six AK-47 rifles, 11 magazines, and 50 rounds of 7.62-millimeter ammunition.
Regrettably, two soldiers, one from Nigeria and one from Chad, paid the ultimate sacrifice, while three others sustained injuries. The MNJTF salutes their bravery and extends condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
The MNJTF reaffirms its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic growth in the Lake Chad basin. The task force pledges to continue its comprehensive approach, combining military operations with collaborative efforts to support affected communities and counter threats to regional stability.