Programme provides medical consultations and distributes free drugs to those in need, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive essential healthcare services.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has begun a seven-day free medical outreach programme for locals in northern Cameroon.

Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the MNJTF’s chief public information officer, said the programme formed part of civil-military cooperation activities for Operation Lake Sanity 2.

The programme began on Wednesday, June 26, and is targeting residents in Darak, Kofia, Hile Alifa and Soueram in Cameroon’s extreme north.

“This is aimed at enhancing the health conditions of local populations who have been affected by ongoing operations.

“It provides medical consultations and distributes free drugs to those in need, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive essential healthcare services.”

Abdullahi said the outreach programme provided a robust community engagement opportunity and there had been an overwhelming response from the locals.

Residents in the targeted areas had the opportunity to consult medical professionals about various health issues and receive necessary treatments and medications at no cost.

“This initiative is pivotal in relieving the healthcare burden on communities that have limited access to medical facilities and face frequent disruptions due to instability.” Abdullahi said.

“Operation Lake Sanity 2’s approach of integrating civil-military cooperation with military operations underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to regional stabilisation.

“By addressing immediate healthcare needs, the MNJTF aims to build trust and cooperation between the military and local populations.

“This medical outreach programme, alongside ongoing security and counterinsurgency operations, reinforces the MNJTF’s dedication to restoring peace and normalcy in the region while securing the wellbeing of its inhabitants.”

In a press briefing, Abdullahi confirmed that three fighters belonging to the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, had surrendered to MNJTF troops in Cameroon and Nigeria.

“In Cameroon’s Sector 1, two terrorist fighters surrendered to the troops at Wulgo. They have been identified as Rawagana Mustapha, 18, and Mustapha Ali, 20.

“Similarly, Sector 3 in Nigeria reported the surrender of one terrorist fighter, Ibrahim Malam, 28, to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga. Preliminary investigations revealed that Malam had been a Boko Haram fighter living in Kwaleram, south of Lake Chad, for six years.”

Abdullahi said the MNJTF urged “other Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad islands and adjoining communities” to cease hostilities and embrace peace.

“We reiterate our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability to the Lake Chad Basin, encouraging terrorists to follow the path of those who have already surrendered.”

In an earlier statement, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said that more than 80 JAS fighters had been killed in the Gidan Kare Village of the Ruwan Godiya Ward in Katsina State’s Faskare Local Government Area on Saturday, June 15.

About 45 motorbikes belonging to the fighters were destroyed in the airstrike.

“A few surviving terrorists were observed fleeing or limping off,” NAF said.

Also on June 15, the MNJTF said that it had successfully rescued 34 women and children being held captive by JAS fighters.

Troops were conducting clearance operations in the Mazuri, Itsari, Mudu and Maleri villages on the fringes of southern Lake Chad in Nigeria when they discovered the women and children.

Abdullahi said that on Monday, June 17, three Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, based in the Jabilaram camp, a secluded islet on Lake Chad, surrendered to troops of Task Force Wulgo. The fighters were identified as Babakura Abubakar, 20, Abacha Kyari, 28, and Mohammad Adam, 29.

“In our continued air assault operations aimed at dismantling terrorist operations across the Lake Chad area, an air interdiction mission was conducted on June 9. at Kollaram, a settlement on the fringes of Lake Chad in the northern part of Borno State. Three suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices were destroyed in the operation.

“This precise strike exemplifies the efficacy and capabilities of air force units in neutralising high-value terrorist targets and mitigating potential threats. The combined efforts of ground and air operations are significantly degrading the operational strength and morale of terrorist factions in the region,” he said.

“The MNJTF remains resolute in the mission to eradicate terrorism, ensure the safety of civilians and foster a secure and peaceful environment conducive to sustaining long-term stability,” Abdullahi said.