The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MNJTF

  • MNJTF neutralises 39 terrorists

    THE Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) last night said 39 Boko Haram terrorists have been killed as its troops engaged the insurgents on the fringes of Lake Chad.

    It, however, said that 20 soldiers were wounded during the operation.

    Spokesman of the MNJTF, Colonel Timothy Antigha, said in a statement that the wounded soldiers have been airlifted off the zone for treatment.

    Bodies of the terrorists were shown in the photographs made available by the troops yesterday.

    Read also: Troops kill 27 Boko Haram terrorists, recover arms, ammunition

    Col. Antigha said in a statement: “In continuation of the ongoing Operation YANCIN TAFKI in the Lake Chad area, troops of the MNJTF and national forces yesterday dealt another blow on Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The terrorists attacked troops’ position in Cross Kaura, however, the vigilant and gallant MNJTF and national troops overwhelmed the terrorists, killing 39 and capturing equipment in the counter-attack.

    “Twenty soldiers, who were wounded in action have been airlifted out of the area of operation and are receiving adequate medical attention.”

  • ‘We’re still searching for Chibok girls’, says Buratai

    Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the search for the remaining abducted Chibok girls was still on.

    He however said activities of Boko Haram have been confined to Lake Chad region and fringes of Sambisa forest.

    Buratai spoke while delivering the maiden lecture of the Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs at the Igbinedion University, Okada headquarters of Ovia North East local government area.

    He stated that complex security challenges like the Boko Haram activities required political and security solutions that ensure that democracies rebound stronger after a crisis.

    Buratai said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has fulfilled the pledge to support the by donating the sum of $100 million.

    The Army Chief said the current political leadership has demonstrated strong political will, purposeful direction and resourcing that galvanised the nation against the common enemy.

    He informed the gathering that adequate resources were provided to re-kit, procure more arms and ammunition, vehicles and other logistics required to prosecute the campaign against insurgency.

    According to him: “Military leadership invariably draws inspiration from the political leadership and this allows it develop military strategic objectives that are to be achieved

    “One of the silent but radical changes in the operations was changing the orientation and mind-set of troops from a defensive to an offensive posture. We also created the Theatre Command to coordinate the activities of the divisions involved in the operations.

    READ ALSO: Chibok girls are abandoned, says #BBOG

    “Socio-economic activities and free movement of people and goods have resumed in many areas.

    “Significant improvements can be attributed to the systematic campaign led by the NA in conjunction with other Services and elements of national power

    “Success recorded so far is an indication that for Nigeria’s democracy to be consolidated, the military must not only play its part but must also fulfill the constitutional roles assigned to them.”

    He assured the Army under his leadership would partner with the institution to build officers’ intellectual capacity.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the centre when operational would carry out research that interrogates emerging security challenges of local and global concern.

    Prof. Ezemonye noted the strategy was to create a Faculty that provides knowledge based interventions for effective enforcement response, being a rich blend of academic researchers in security affairs and practitioners from the military and allied agencies.

  • MNJTF refutes reported attack, killing of 18 soldiers by ISWAP

    The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) on Friday denied any recent attack on its troops and killing of 18 soldiers in its area of responsibility.

    Spokesman of the task force, Col. Timothy Antigha, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that online media report on the purported attack was false.

    The online reports had claimed that 18 soldiers were killed when a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military formation.

    According to Antigha, the reported attack and killing are falsehood being orchestrated by the media arm of ISWAP in its desperate attempt to revamp it parlous and deplorable image.

    He said that the desperation followed several weeks of devastating operational losses the group suffered in the Lake Chad Area.

    Read also: Air Force kills Boko Haram leaders, others

    “It has been widely reported and it is now common knowledge that sustained offensive actions by MNJTF troops and national forces have resulted in over 200 ISWAP personnel casualties and defections as well as numerous equipment seizures and destruction.

    “The claim of killing 18 MNJTF personnel in an unnamed location is, therefore, very strange and completely untrue.

    “Consequently, the general public is advised to disregard the ISWAP falsehood in its entirety, ” Antigha said.

    He urged the media to remain vigilant in order to frustrate attempts by terrorists to spread falsehood and propaganda in a bid to disrupt public order, peace and civility. (NAN)

  • MNJTF neutralises Boko Haram commander, 15 fighters

    NOTORIOUS Boko Haram Commander, Malloum Moussa,  was neutralised during a clearance operation at Andakar Camp at the weekend, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops operating on fringes of Lake Chad claimed yesterday.

    According to the MNJTF spokesman, Col Timothy Antigha, 15 Boko Haram terrorists were also killed during the encounter.

    Col. Antigha explained in a statement that the MNJTF troops destroyed weapons, including five gun trucks belonging to the terrorists during the operation.

    He said: “In the continuing escalation of offensive operations aimed at making islands and other settlements in Lake Chad untenable for Boko Haram terrorists, troops of the MNJTF over the weekend embarked on clearance operation in Kerenoa and adjourning areas.

    “Contact was made with Boko Haram terrorists at Andakar Camp. In the ensuing fire fight, Malloum Moussa; Boko Haram Commander, along with 15 of his men were neutralised.

    “Five gun trucks were also destroyed. A woman whose relationship with the terrorists is yet to be determined was apprehended.

    “Information gathered has revealed that Malloum Moussa, who had one-eye, was a high-ranking Boko Haram Commander who had jurisdiction in the entire southern islands, including Daban Masara, Kirta Wulgo and Koleram.

    “He was notorious for imposing hefty levies on farmers, fishermen and cattle herders to fund Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in the locality.”

  • Troops neutralise Boko Haram commander, 15 others on Lake Chad island

    The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has neutralised a Boko Haram commander, Malloum Moussa and 15 of his foot soldiers during a clearance operation on Lake Chad Island.

    According to a statement by Col. Timothy Antigha, the spokesman of the task force on Sunday, troops destroyed five gun trucks belonging to the terrorists in the operation.

    He said the troops also arrested a woman whose relationship with the terrorists is yet to be determined.

    Antigha said intelligence revealed that Moussa who had one eye was a high ranking Boko Haram commander who has jurisdiction in the entire Southern island, including Daban Masara, Kirta Wulgo and Koleram.

    “He was notorious for imposing hefty levies on farmers, fishermen and cattle herders to fund Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in the locality,” he said.

  • MNJTF neutralises 33 Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad region

    THE Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops operating around the Lake Chad have again neutralised 33 Boko Haram terrorists with a stern warning to others to surrender forthwith.

    According to its spokesman, Colonel Timothy Antigha, the task force, using it extensive networks together with air and ground components, raided and mopped up the insurgents in their hideouts within the theatre of operation.

    Colonel Antigha explained yesterday in a statement that Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms were also used by the coalition troops of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun and Chad to deal a deadly blow on the terrorists.

    He said: “In consonance with the determination of the MNJTF to unhinge the structures of Boko Haram and dismantle its terror networks in the Lake Chad Area, Air and Ground Components of the Task Force have intensified air interdictions and mop up activities in the area of operation.

    “In a recent engagement, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms as well as ground attack aircrafts from a coalition of Cameroonian, Niger and Nigerian Air Forces intercepted and destroyed Boko Haram terrorists in Tunbum Rego, a prominent island in Lake Chad, believed to harbour high valued Boko Haram targets.

    “In a related development, MNJTF troops from Sector 4 attacked Boko Haram assets in Arege, killing scores of terrorists in the process. A summary of personnel and equipment casualties suffered by Boko Haram in the last two  days alone are: “Thirty three terrorists killed in action, two gun trucks recovered, one Armoured Personnel Carrier destroyed and two motorcycles destroyed.

    “One 120MM Mortar Tube recovered, 12 AK47 Riffles recovered, Two 60MM Mortar Bombs recovered and 3,736 rounds of assorted ammunition recovered.

    “In addition, one binocular recovered and two hand grenades recovered.

    “The MNJTF wishes to warn individuals still associated with Boko Haram to surrender themselves for demobilisation and rehabilitation, while the opportunity still exists.”

  • Boko Haram in disarray, fighters stranded without supplies – MNJTF

    The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Chad, says the leadership of the Boko Haram terrorists group is currently overwhelmed and in disarray.

    Col, Timothy Antigha, the Chief of Military Public Information of the MNJTF, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Antigha said the group was overwhelmed after a sustained air and land attacks in the ongoing “Operation `Yancin Tafki’’ in the Lake Chad region.

    He also said ex-fighters, who were “receiving humane attention divulged that morale and fighting spirit of the group’s fighters is very low.’’

    Antigha further quoted ex-fighters as saying that development is as a result of growing insecurity and inability to replenish stranded fighters in the islands with food, medicine and ammunition.

    The MNJTF spokesman said an integral part of the operation is a series of well “coordinated day and night Human Intelligence as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.’’

    He said the missions were being conducted by the Air Forces of the Lake Chad Basin countries- Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.

    Antigha explained that this led to devastating air interdiction which destroyed Boko Haram logistic facilities and fighters in Tumbum, Gini, Abadam, Arege, Tumbun rego and Dagaya environs between March 7 and March 11.

    He added that in the last four weeks of the operation, 70 Boko Haram vehicles; mostly gun trucks and facilities such as fuel dumps, weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

    “Furthermore, since the commencement of operation Yancin Tafki, several terrorists have surrendered while others are battle-weary and have indicated interest to surrender.

    “Morale of fighters is at its lowest, while desperation has also set in, leading to intrigues and in-fighting,’’ Antigha said.

    He said reliable sources confirmed that internal crisis led to change of Boko Haram leadership on March 3.

    Antigha said the Islamic State West Africa Province or ISWAP sacked the Boko Haram factional Chief, Abu Mus’ab Al Barnawi and replaced him with Abu Abdullahi Ibn Umar Al Barnawi.

    According to him, the frequent execution of Boko Haram commanders and fighters which have been observed in the past few months as well as recent replacement of its leadership are clear indications of effectiveness of past and ongoing operation Yancin Tafki.

    Antigha said the joint task force is poised to sustain current operations until Boko Haram capitulates and its leadership is brought to justice. (NAN)

  • Boko Haram: UN Security Council delegation arrives Chad, visits MNJTF

    The United Nations Security Council’s delegation on Boko Haram arrived N’Djamena on Friday night to meet the Chadian leadership and visit the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) headquarters on Saturday.

    The delegation said it was visiting Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, the four countries affected by the activities of the Boko Haram terrorists, to get a first-hand experience of the victims.

    “The United Kingdom Presidency of the Security Council will meet with the Government of Chad and visit the Multinational Joint Task Force.

    “In the afternoon the Council will transfer to Niamey, where they will meet the Government of Niger,” Matt Moody, Spokesperson and Head of Communications, UK Mission to the UN, said.

    The delegation, led by Amb.Matthew Rycroft, UK Permanent Representative to the UN and the Security Council’s President for the month of March, had earlier visited Cameroon.

    Rycroft had, while in Cameroon, explained the purpose of the Council’s visit to the Lake Chad Basin, before the delegation left for Chad.

    “First of all, we came here in order to shine a spotlight on the situation in the Lake Chad Basin.

    “We came to hear the individual stories of people involved, whether they are refugees or displaced people or other victims of Boko Haram.

    “We stand with the government and the people of Cameroon, and the wider region, in tackling the scourge of terrorism.

    “We encourage them to look broadly and deeply at the root causes of the set of crises going on here, whether humanitarian, to do with development, to do with education, agriculture and so on,” Rycroft said in a statement.

    NAN

  • AU, Lake Chad basin countries sign pacts on Boko Haram

    The African Union and member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Friday in Abuja, to boost the fight against the Boko Haram.

    The agreements were signed at a meeting of Ministers of Defence of LCBC member countries, comprising Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic, rounding off a four-day conference of the commission in Abuja.

    The two agreements are on Mobilisation of Additional Support to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), fighting the terrorists in the basin and Support Implementation Agreement (SIA).

    AU’s Commissioner for Peace and Security, Amb. Smail Chergui, signed on behalf of the union, while the Executive Secretary and Head of Mission of the MNJTF, Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, signed for the LCBC.

    The agreements will enable the AU commission to receive funds from international partners on behalf of member countries of the LCBC and administer same in support of the MNJTF.

    Chergui commended member countries of the LCBC for their determination in combating the Boko Haram terrorists in the region.

    He said, “This regional initiative is a true reflection of our collective effort for attaining sustainable peace and stability on the continent, using African resources as the primary means for intervention.

    “This collective effort by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin Republic, the African Union and the international community was instrumental to the operationalisation of the MNJTF.

    “As a result, significant progress has been made toward enabling it (MNJTF) to effectively carry out offensive operations against the Boko Haram terrorist group.

    “Further to this success, the group has been disorganised and has lost the ability to hold territory.”

     

     

     

     

  • Dan- Ali, other defence ministers visit Chadian president

    The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, has appealed to President Idris Deby of Chad to call on all those who pledged financial and material support to Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to fulfill their promise.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Deby is the current chairman of the African Union.

    A statement by the ministry said the Dan- Ali made the appeal when he led a team of Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Staff of countries contributing troops to the multinational joint task force to visit Deby.

    The countries are Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Benin.

    The minister and defence chiefs were in N’Djamena for a meeting of the LCBC.

    The statement, issued by Col. Tukur Gusau, the minister’s Public Relations Officer, was made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Dan-Ali said the call was necessary to enable the MNJTF execute its mandate in the region effectively.