MNJTF Confirms Surrender of 52,000 Boko Haram Members; Records over 30 Encounters.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has said that over 52,000 members of Boko Haram terrorists have so far surrendered to troops.

The MNJTF Force Commander, Major General Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim made the disclosure at a meeting with all Sectors’ Commanders.

A statement by the Chief Military Information Officer of MNJTF, Lt Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke said the meeting was aimed at appraising the ongoing operations and to enhance preparations for the next decisive stage.

The 52,000 surrendered terrorists comprised fighters, those conscripted by force, and their families.

He said more than 300 terrorists were neutralized either in direct combat with the MNJTF troops or as a result of combined air strikes across the lake Chad Basin.

“The entry of the Chadian contingent provides additional firepower in terms of armoured personnel Carriers, MRAPS and other combat enablers,” Khalifa added.

The statement highlighted some achievements of the Force pointing out that over 30 encounters have been recorded due to the synergy and cooperation with Op Hadin Kai.

“About 4 IED making factories were also destroyed in the course of the operations”.

The Force Commander praised the decisive role of the Air component of the MNJTF/OP Hadin Kai for the remarkable role played in taking out several enemy camps, equipment and commanders latest amonng whom is Abu Ibrahim who was an ISWAP leader( Khalifa) in the Lake Chad Tunbumas and was a leader before in the Timbuktu general areas.

The Force Commander further urged the troops to ensure that the criminal Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP are hunted and wiped out wherever they are.

He also praised the maritime efforts so far and said he looks forward to more successes in the next few days and weeks.

Meanwhile the Head of Mission of MNJTF who is also the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu has commended troops for their efforts in the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity, urging them to sustain the pressure on terrorists to bring the insurgency to an end.

He gave the commendation while on an assessment visit to the Tactical Headquarters MNJTF in Diffa Niger Republic on Friday 13, May 2022.

He was received on arrival at the Diffa Airport by the Governor of Diffa Region of Niger, Mr. Issa Lamine, and the FC MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, DFC and other senior officers of the MNJTF.

In his remarks, General Khalifa called for more supports from the various troops contributing countries and cooperation to enable them attain mission objectives.