By: Bayero Ade
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has reported the elimination of 310 terrorists and the destruction of key terrorist logistical bases in the Lake Chad region following the successful completion of Operation Lake Sanity 2.
According to NAN, Force commander, Ibrahim Salau, shared these details during the MNJTF Operation Lake Sanity 2 Medal Parade at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad, on Wednesday.
Salau explained that the operation, conducted between April 23 and July 22, 2024, also led to the arrest of 160 individuals linked to terrorism, including logistic suppliers and informants. In addition, over 800 terrorists and their families voluntarily surrendered, signaling a decline in support for insurgent groups in the region.
He highlighted the success of the operation in facilitating the repatriation of over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, helping them return to their communities and restore normalcy in their lives.
Salau credited the success of the operation to the strong collaboration between the armed forces of Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria, which formed six coordinated task forces against terrorism, with limited air support provided by Niger. He also noted the unwavering support of the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission and other contributing nations.
The force commander also acknowledged the sacrifices of fallen and injured soldiers. Compensation ceremonies have already been held in Cameroon and Nigeria, with another ceremony planned for Chad’s Sector 2 to honor the soldiers’ contributions.
Chad’s Defense Minister, Issaka Malloua Djamous, expressed gratitude for the success of Operation Lake Sanity, calling it a pivotal achievement in the fight against Boko Haram. He urged troops to remain vigilant against evolving terrorist tactics and called for enhanced regional cooperation and stronger material and human capacity to tackle future threats.
The minister also thanked the European Union and other development partners for their support, including the provision of essential training and equipment for the regional forces.
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