Troops eliminate dozens, capture 40 terrorists in Lake Chad

Troops of Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, have killed dozens of terrorists and captured more than 40 in recent operations in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Chief of Military Public Information for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in N’Djamena, Chad.

Adegoke said the troops also destroyed several terrorist camps during the clearance and stabilisation operations in the region conducted from Jan. 18 to 29.

He added that 87 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, and terrorists surrendered within the period.

Adegoke said in Sector 1, Cameroon, and the troops conducted ambush operations on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 in the general area of Kolofata-Kirawa, captured one terrorist alive and recovered a significant quantity of assorted foodstuff.

According to him, the Sector has been very active in dominating its area through land and maritime operations, especially in areas such as Tchika, Gore Kendi and Kerena, among others.

In Sector 2, Chad, he said the troops had dominated the maritime domain from Bagalam-Kongalam to Koulfoua and denied the terrorists freedom of operation.

The MNJTF spokesman said this had led to the return of about 3,000 civilians in the general area of Bakatorolorom.

Adegoke also said troops of Sector 3, Nigeria, had, on Jan. 18 and Jan. 23, intercepted a Boko Haram logistics supplier in Baga in possession of motorcycle spare parts.

He added that the troops, on Jan. 27, encountered terrorists along Damasak–Gubio road who fled on sighting the troops and abandoned two motorcycles, two hand grenades and some terrorist’s uniforms.

Adegoke said a raid operation on terrorists’ camp in Matari on the Niger/Nigeria border was conducted by troops of Sector 4, Niger, on Jan. 21 and Jan 23, with the support of Sector 3, Nigeria, and other partners.

According to him, the well-conducted Special Forces operation led to the destruction of the terrorists’ camp, neutralisation of over a dozen terrorists, destruction of their equipment and capture of two high-value target criminals.

“There was no casualty on our forces’ side as they were successfully extricated.

“The courageous troops of Sector 4, Niger, acting on intelligence reports, also swooped on three suspected terrorists logisticians in Nguigmi market on Jan. 29 in Niger Republic.