In furtherance of operations to rid the Lake Chad basin area of terrorists and other criminal elements, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force have neutralized 20 ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists after clearance operations that covered Dutchi, Cetomani Forest, Alagurno Forest and Guma Saigala
Also 63 suspected BHTs were captured alive while troops in other engagements intercepted 46 BHTs members including the southern zone of Tamour while on patrol.
Chief Military Information Officer, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke made this known in an update on operationz on Wednesdag.
He said, “On 14 March 2023, troops of Sector 1 MNJTF (Cameroun) in conjunction with local vigilante groups conducted ambush operations on BHT logistic suppliers in the general area of Maroua and in the process recovered 6 bags of assorted foodstuffs and 10 bicycles.
“The recovered items were handed over to the local authorities.
“Troops of Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria) deployed at Gajiram while on patrol along Main Supply Route Monguno arrested BHT family members made up of 9 women and 8 children.
“The rescued persons are currently receiving medical treatment and profiling.
“Also in the same sector, on 18 March 2023 troops in conjunction with CJTF arrested a BHT collaborator at FGGC Mongonu.
“The collaborator named Umar Goni who is an indigene of Kukawa was arrested while trying to cast his vote in the recently held elections in Nigeria.
“During the preliminary investigation, he confessed to be an errand boy for the terrorists in Kukawa. Detailed investigation ongoing.
“In the same vein, the troops of Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) continued to dominate their Area of Operation.
“Between 12 – 13 Marcb 2023, the troops intercepted 20 BHTs around Tegyessa.
“Relatedly, troops deployed at Bassa base while on patrol intercepted and arrested 10 BHT members.
“All the suspects are in custody and undergoing preliminary investigation.
“In a related development, troops of the same sector while on patrol intercepted 36 BHTs members in the southern zone of Tamour.
“To further dominate the general area, the troops conducted night patrol along Ngagam – Djalor axis and during the patrol, 1 M80 rifle was recovered from a BHT who voluntarily surrendered it to the local authorities in Gueskerou.
“Also, during a joint operation named op KOUKOURI conducted by Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) alongside MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) dominated Kanama, Bula Buni, Maine, Tam Match 1 and Forest Matali 2.
“Other areas covered included Dutchi, Cetomani Forest, Alagurno Forest and Guma Saigala where 20 terrorists were neutralized while 63 suspected BHTs were captured alive.
“Items recovered included 3 AK 47 riffles, one PKM Metal Link with 19 rounds of ammunitions, 2 IED making devices, 129 rounds of 7.62mm and 39mm ammunitions, 3 Military uniforms, one pair of ranger kits and 2 magazines.
“Items destroyed included 2 motorcycles, 60 solar panels, 5 motorcycle fuel tanks, 3 bullet proof vests. Also, 3 BHTs enclaves and 2 logistics depots were destroyed”.
It will be recalled that the FC MNJTF Maj Gen AK Ibrahim charged the Sectors to maintain their operational tempo and adopt aggressive posture in dealing with the remaining insurgents in order to deny them freedom of action.
The FC commended the troops for this feat and reiterated his commitment in providing necessary supports to defeat the remnant of the BHT/ISWAP terrorists.
