The Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating from Maiduguri, Borno State has disclosed that the superior firepower of its military operation, code named Operation Lafiya Dole (Crackdown) has caused massive movement of Boko Haram terrorists escaping from Sambisa forest towards the northern part of the state, which borders Niger Republic and Lake Chad Islands.

“In a concerted effort to keep up with its mandate, the Headquarters, Multinational Joint Task Force (HQ MNJTF) launched OP GAMA AIKI to clear all remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in its general Area of Responsibility (AOR). This is aimed at ensuring that the terrorists are prevented from establishing another sanctuaries and hideouts in the Lake Chad region. Op GAMA AIKI involved the MNJTF troops and National Air and ground forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republics,” the Chief Military Public Information Officer, Colonel Muhammad Dole, said today in a statement.

The Task Force also declared that since the launch of the military action, appreciable operational successes have been recorded.

“During some fierce encounters with the terrorists such as; Doran Nairi, Faide-Jimba, Yebi-Tasugia, Yebi-Jemi, Alli Kanori, Yebi Tumanba and Alagarno villages up to Doron Naira along Sector 3 (Nigeria) axis have been cleared. Likewise, Littri, Madayi and some villages on the Lake Chad Island along Sector 2 axis hitherto infested by the insurgents were successfully cleared by Sector 2 (Chad).”

Dole said: “During these encounters, MNJTF troops neutralised 31 terrorists, seized and destroyed large quantities of equipment and cache of arms and ammunition. Among the equipment captured were one Hilux van mounted with Shilka gun with 97 rounds of 21mm (AA), 14 AK 47 rifles, four RPG Bombs, six Mortar Bombs, two GPMG rifles, one HK 24 MG, one AKM MG and eight Bandoliers among other equipment destroyed in suit. On the other hand, MNJTF lost two soldiers and 12 others were wounded, who are currently receiving medical attention.”

The Commander, MNJTF, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, while addressing the troops of Sector 3 Baga at the Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA), “charged the troops to remain focused and determined to flush out remnants of insurgents from the MNJTF AOR. The Commander wishes to use this medium to appeal to the civil populace within the operational areas to continue to cooperate with our gallant troops to enable the final defeat of Boko Haram terrorists. He equally urges the citizens living along the borders to be security conscious and watch out for fleeing BH elements during the operation and report all suspicious movements to the military and other security agents within the area.”

•Photo shows MNJTF troops.

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