MNJTF neutralises bandits, recovers arms, ammunition

The Multi-National Joint Task Force said it had continued its on-slaught for the total defeat of the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists in the Lake Basin.

Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, Chief Military Public Information Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said the troops, in conjunction with local vigilante groups, conducted ambush operations on BHT logistic suppliers in the general area of Maroua and recovered six bags of assorted foodstuffs and ten bicycles, adding that the recovered items were handed over to the local authorities for further action.

“Similarly, troops of Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria) deployed at Gajiram, while on patrol along Main Supply Route Monguno, rescued suspected BHT family members of nine women and eight children. The rescued persons are currently receiving medical treatment and profiling,” the statement said.

Also, it said on 18 March 2023, troops, in conjunction with local vigilante (Civilian JTF), arrested a BHT collaborator at Federal Government Girls College Mongonu, adding that 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.

He said during the preliminary investigation, he confessed to being an errand boy for the terrorists in Kukawa.

He added that the Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger Republic) troops continued to dominate their Area of Operation, saying that between 12 and 13 March 2023, the troops intercepted 20 BHTs around Tegyessa.

He added that troops of the same sector, while on patrol, intercepted 36 BHT members in the southern zone of Tamour.

“During a joint operation named Operation KOUKOURI conducted by the Sector alongside Nigerian troops of Sector 3 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 three AK-47 rifles, one PKM Metal Link with 19 rounds of ammunition, two Improvised Explosive Devices making items, 121 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition, three military uniforms, one pair of Ranger kits and two magazines,” he said.

“Items destroyed included two motorcycles, 60 solar panels, five motorcycle fuel tanks, among others were destroyed,” it added.

It will be recalled that the Force Commander, Maj Gen Abdul Kalifa Ibrahim, has charged the sectors to maintain their operational tempo and adopt an aggressive posture in dealing with the remaining insurgents to deny them freedom of action.

“The Force Commander commended the troops for this feat and reiterated his commitment in providing necessary supports to defeat the remnant of the BHT/ISWAP terrorists,” it said.