•Six soldiers lost in battle
Senator Iroegbu
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region, killing over 140 terrorists and forcing 176 others to surrender. This success was announced by Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, Force Commander of the MNJTF, during an international press conference on June 4, 2024.
Sadly, about six soldiers were killed in the course of the operations against the terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region.
Operation LAKE SANITY 2, which began on April 23, 2024, has seen troops from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria clear key terrorist strongholds in the Lake Chad area, including Doron Naira, Zanari, and Bagadaza. While six soldiers have lost their lives in the battle, the MNJTF has also recovered a significant cache of weapons and arrested 57 individuals involved in terrorist activities.
Air interdictions conducted by national Air Forces from Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon have been highly effective, destroying crucial terrorist logistic bases and staging areas, and neutralizing over 140 terrorists. The operation has severely crippled the operational capabilities of the terrorist groups.
The MNJTF has expressed gratitude to the Chiefs of Defence Staff from all troop-contributing countries and acknowledged the support provided by national operations in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger Republic. The Force Commander assured that the MNJTF remains committed to creating a safe and secure environment in the Lake Chad areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
This significant victory against terrorism is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the MNJTF troops, and a major step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
Ali noted that since the operation’s commencement, MNJTF troops have successfully cleared key terrorist strongholds, including Doron Naira, Zanari, and Bagadaza. Despite these victories, the operation has not been without its challenges. He acknowledged the six soldiers that lost their lives in the line of duty, while extending his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen and expressed his prayers for the quick recovery of the injured.
“Operation Lake Sanity 2 has seen significant achievements. A total of 176 terrorists have surrendered, and 57 individuals involved in terrorist activities have been arrested. Additionally, MNJTF forces have recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including 796 rounds of ammunition, one PKM machine gun, five AK-47 rifles, two motorcycles, and eight magazines, among various other arms and logistics support items,” he said.
The Force Commander stated: “The operation’s air interdictions, conducted by the national air forces of Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon, have proven highly effective. These aerial operations have led to the destruction of critical terrorist logistic bases and staging areas, particularly around Tumbum Fulani and other key locations. Over 140 terrorists were neutralized during these air strikes, significantly crippling their operational capabilities.”
Ali emphasised the dedication and commitment of the MNJTF troops, acknowledging the critical steps made towards restoring peace and stability in the region. He expressed deep appreciation for the support from the Chiefs of Defence Staff of the contributing countries and reaffirmed the MNJTF’s commitment to its mandate of creating a safe and secure environment in the Lake Chad areas affected by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
He stressed that the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2 has also been bolstered by national operations such as Operation Emergence 4 in Cameroon, Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria, and the Chadian national operations, as well as Sector 4 in Diffa, Niger Republic. These operations, he said, have served as crucial blocking forces, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the MNJTF’s efforts.
Ali concluded by expressing gratitude to the media for their continuous support and cooperation, assuring them of ongoing updates as the operation progresses. The MNJTF remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate terrorist threats and restore peace to the region.