By Victor Akaa.
In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has achieved significant success in the Lake Chad region, dealing a decisive blow to terrorist groups operating in the Areas of Responsibility including Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria in the past one month.
Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, Force Commander of the MNJTF, during his press conference at Theater Command Officers Mess Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Nigeria. said Operation Lake Sanity II, which commenced on April 23, 2024, has recorded substantial successes in the past month.
He said the operation, involving troops from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria, has cleared key terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad area, including Doron Naira, Zanari, and Bagadaza.
General Ali noted that within the period , the MNJTF has also recorded the surrender of 176 terrorists and the arrest of 57 individuals involved in terrorist activities.
Additionally, a significant cache of armaments, including 796 rounds of ammunition, one PKM machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, two motorcycles, and eight magazines, has been recovered.
“In the past month, our dedicated troops have been relentless in their efforts, recently clearing some locations such as Doron Naira, Zanari, Bagadaza, and other key terrorist strongholds in Lake Chad area. It is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices made during this phase; regrettably, we have recorded 6 x casualties among the multinational troops since the operation began.”
The Force Commander added that air interdictions conducted by national Airforces from Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon have also been highly effective, destroying crucial terrorist logistic bases and staging areas, particularly around Tumbum Fulani and other key locations.
He said over 140 terrorists have been neutralized during these air strikes, and a significant amount of terrorist platforms and materiel have been destroyed, severely crippling their operational capabilities.
The Force Commander expressed condolences for the six casualties among the multinational troops and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
He acknowledged the support of national operations in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger Republic, which have been instrumental in the success of Operation Lake Sanity II.
The MNJTF remains committed to its mandate of creating a safe and secure environment in the Lake Chad areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. The operation continues, with the aim of restoring peace and stability to the region.
This significant achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the multinational troops and a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region, Enugu Reporters noted.
