*70 terrorists surrender
*capture equipment, intercept logistics, rescue abducted young men
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continued to maintain an offensive posture against the terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin region.
This has culminated in a string of successes by the MNJTF sectors as they intensify efforts to deter and stifle the terrorists threats around their areas of responsibility in a bid to neutralize them.
This is in line with the directives of the Force Commander ( FC) MNJTF.
A statement issued and signed on Tuesday by Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, the Chief of Military Public Information Officer,
N’Djamena, Chad Republic and made available to journalists in Maiduguri, said troops of MNJTF Sector 4 ( Niger Republic ) while on patrol along Kara – Diffa Road intercepted four persons suspected to be Boko Haram/ ISWAP logisticians conveying about 1,000 litres of fuel cleverly concealed in plastic bags inside a Toyota Highlander Jeep.
The fuel was being transported from Maine Soroa to the Lake Chad Islands possibly to suspected Boko Haram/ ISWAP criminals and the sum of six hundred and fifty (N650.000) was also recovered hidden in the vehicle, while the suspects and exhibits are in custody of MNJTF Sector 4 for further investigations.
It added that in another incident, the MNJTF troops of Sector 3 .(Nigeria) deployed in the general area of Kwatan Turare near Baga gallantly repelled an attempted infiltration by the Boko Haram/ ISWAP criminals due to superior firepower, at the end of the encounter, the troops neutralized two terrorists and recovered one rocket propelled grenade, seven bombs, two 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven mortar chargers and two wooden canoes and the canoes were promptly destroyed.
The statement said also that, unspecified number of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists also attempted to infiltrate Monguno in MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) stealthily in the small hours of the morning, but met the gallant and alert troops who engaged the criminals in a fire fight forcing them to withdraw In disarray.
While the unrelenting troops pursued and engaged the criminals along their withdrawal routes neutralizing three criminals, while many fled with gunshot wounds.
The statement further explained that the troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle and two magazines after the encounter. Regrettably, a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in this encounter.
Five young men suspected to have been abducted when they strayed into the bush in search of firewood were rescued by the troops. 5 brand new boxer motorcycles were also captured from the terrorists during the encounter.
It also said that efforts are being made to ascertain the origin of the motorcycles and how they were smuggled into the Lake Chad Islands.
Meanwhile, the rescued young men are being profiled in the sector headquarters before further processing.
In another development, a total of 70 terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) and troops of Sector 1 (Cameroon ).
The surrendered terrorists would be treated in line with standard procedures for such surrenders which would include interrogation and profiling by the relevant authorities.
Arising from the efforts of the Sectors of the MNJTF, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has enjoined the troops to continue to maintain resilience and this offensive posture until the criminals surrender totally or are defeated completely.
He reaffirmed the fact that the terrorists have been severely degraded and there is need to finally finish them off. He reminded the Force of the obligation they have to observe international humanitarian laws and to be professional at all times.
General Khalifa praised the courage and determination of the troops of the MNJTF and their commanders. He paid tribute to the fallen hero and passed his deep condolences to the soldier’s family.
He called on the population of the Lake Chad basin region domiciled in the 4 countries to continue to support the MNJTF and other security forces and to always pass useful information to the forces on activities of these criminal elements to help bring this conflict to an end.
