Recent aerial operations have ‘obliterated terrorist camps’ on islets across the Cameroonian and Nigerian territories of Lake Chad, ‘killing many terrorists and causing others to flee’.

At least 70 insurgents have been killed, five hideouts dismantled and eight vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) destroyed in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the Lake Chad region.

In a statement released on Monday, July 1, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the chief military public relations officer of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), said troops had also seized weapons and destroyed two ammunition bunkers.

He said in recent weeks the MNJTF – made up of soldiers from Nigeria, Chad, the Niger Republic and Cameroon – under Operation Lake Sanity 2, had intensified land and air strikes on Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly known as Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents, who have set up camps on islets across the Cameroonian and Nigerian territories of Lake Chad.

At least five hideouts were “obliterated”.

Abdullahi said: “The MNJTF announces the significant achievements of Operation Lake Sanity 2 in combating terrorism within the Lake Chad Basin.

“Recent aerial operations have successfully obliterated terrorist camps situated on islets across the Cameroonian and Nigerian territories of Lake Chad, killing many terrorists and causing others to flee into Chad.

“The operation also resulted in the destruction of eight vehicle-borne IEDs in Arinna ciki and two ammunition bunkers northeast of Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

“In a swift and decisive response, the Chadian Rapid Intervention Force, delivered a devastating blow to retreating terrorists.

“This action neutralised 70 terrorists and dismantled five camps, highlighting the efficacy of MNJTF’s operational strategies and the robust collaboration with the Chadian Armed Forces.

“The MNJTF extends its appreciation to the Chadian Armed Forces for their invaluable cooperation and support in the fight against terrorism.

“We also acknowledge the vital contributions from other troop-contributing countries, including Operation Emergence 4 Cameroon, Operation Hadin Kai Nigeria and Sector 4 Niger, which were instrumental in the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2.

“The MNJTF remains committed to its mandate of eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the Lake Chad Basin. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to achieve and sustain this critical goal.”

SHETTIMA LAWAN MONGUNO