6 soldiers die as Nigeria, Niger forces kill 22 Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

The Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, on Thursday said its combatants have killed 22 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Mallam Fatori, on the fringes of Lake Chad.

In a statement by MNJTF’s spokesman, Muhammad Dole, the operation which was part of the design to swiftly end the menace of insurgency in the Lake Chad Region, was carried out alongside troops from Sector 3 Monguno (Nigeria) and Sector 4 Diffa (Niger).

Mr Dole, a colonel, said that the troops met strong resistance from the terrorists, who launched several mortar attacks, laid Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, along the troops route of advance and further attacks with Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, VBIEDs.

He however said that the troops brought superior firepower to bear on the insurgents forcing them to abandon their enclaves.

The colonel noted that Operation SHARAN FAGE was massively supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and other partners with air assets and surveillance equipment.

“This support spurred the determined troops to successfully clear enemy hideouts in and around AREGE, GASHIGAR, ASAGA, KAINOA, BANA and KAMAGUNMA, among other general areas.”

“In the course of this operation 22 Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised, 5 of their gun trucks destroyed, 5 motorcycles and several logistic bunkers were destroyed while 8 AK47 Rifles were recovered.

“Regrettably, 6 members of the JTF (2 officers and 4 other ranks) from both countries paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty with about 16 wounded in action. 17 suspects were arrested in the general area of operations and are being profiled.