Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 3 in Borno State successfully thwarted a Boko Haram attack in the North-East region of Nigeria.
This was revealed in a statement on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Chief Military Information Officer for MNJTF, based in N’djamena, Chad.
According to him, the troops, acting on reliable intelligence, launched a tactical ambush and eliminated the threat before the terrorists could carry out an attack on innocent civilians.
“The troops having positioned themselves tactically along the terrorists’ path of movement, engaged the terrorists as they emerged from a forested area on motorcycles, using an alternative route,” the statement read.
“On sighting the troops, the terrorists attempted to flee but were met with a heavy barrage of gunfire. This decisive engagement forced them to abandon their weapons and motorcycles, disrupting their plan to unleash violence in the region.
“Following the intense firefight, the troops combed the area and recovered an arms cache, which included 2 AK-47 rifles, 51 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, two magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, and various contraband items, including marijuana, Tramadol, and a cigarette pack.
“The swift action of the MNJTF not only thwarted a potential attack but also reinforced the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the Lake Chad region.”
Osoba emphasized that the operation underscores the Task Force’s steadfast commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens within its area of responsibility.
He further noted that troops have ramped up their patrols in the area to prevent any resurgence of terrorist activities, showcasing their preparedness to neutralize any threats and ensure stability across the region.