By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Troops of Sector 3 under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have successfully executed a decisive operation against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Kukawa and Monguno local government areas of Borno State.

The operation, which resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the recovery of critical assets, took place in Northern Borno. Monguno is located about 137.9 km from Maiduguri, while Kukawa lies 187.3 km away.

In a press statement on Monday, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, detailed the success of the mission:

“In a decisive operation, troops of Sector 3 under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have successfully dealt a significant blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Kukawa and Monguno areas of Borno State, Nigeria. The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists and the recovery of valuable assets.

“The ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists, who launched an offensive using suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), were met with superior firepower from MNJTF troops. Following intense air and artillery bombardments and a ground assault, five terrorists were neutralized, while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

“During the operation, air assets destroyed three VBIEDs, and troops captured 40 motorbikes equipped with assorted weapons, four anti-aircraft guns, and one rocket-propelled grenade. Unfortunately, three soldiers paid the supreme price.

“This bold operation underscores the MNJTF’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people in the Lake Chad region.”

In a related development, the North East Chairman of Hunters/Vigilantes, Mallam Yohanna, and his team thwarted a terrorist attack on Debiro village in Biu local government area.

The attempted attack over the weekend was repelled without any civilian casualties. The terrorists retreated upon sighting the patrol vehicle of the Hunters/Vigilantes, who responded promptly to a distress call from the community.

Confirming the incident, Mallam Yohanna stated: “I received a distress call that some terrorists had invaded Debiro village. I quickly mobilized my men, and upon sighting our vehicle, the terrorists retreated and fled before we entered the community. Although we discovered that they had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along our routes, nothing bad happened to us.”

These developments highlight ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect communities in the region.