Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said yesterday that troops killed 43 fighters of terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) during a clash with troops of Sector 4 Diffa in Niger Republic, when their location was attacked by the terrorists.
But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, has charged troops to continue to exhibit gallantry in the fight against banditry, insurgency and other sundry crimes.
A war update issued by Chief of Military Public Information Headquarters, MNJTF, N`Djamena, Chad, Col. Muhammad Dole, said troops of the sector deployed in Baroua came under heavy attack by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the wee hours of Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
“Troops tactically canalised the criminals to their effective killing zone, brought heavy fire on them and neutralised scores of the terrorists while others escaped with various degrees of injury.
“At the end of the encounter, a total of 43 dead bodies of BHT/ISWAP insurgents were scattered around the engagement areas. One terrorist suspected to be their leader was caught alive and large cache of arms, ammunitions were recovered and four enemy gun trucks were destroyed.
“Extremely regrettable, how-ever, seven gallant MNJTF soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while four other soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are being treated in a military hospital.” The MNJTF said coincidently, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, was at the Headquarters, Sector 4 Diffa on August 25, 2021 on the final leg of his familiarisation/operational visit to the sectors.
General Ibrahim commended the selfless sacrifice and act of gallantry as demonstrated by the troops.
While praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased soldiers whom he described as matyrs of freedom, he condoled with the family of the deceased and wishes the wounded soldiers speedy recovery.
He said despite the ongoing waves of BHT/ISWAP terrorists surrender, MNJTF forces will continue to take the battle to all identified enclaves of the insurgents.
Meanwhile, Yahaya, has charged troops to be committed, dedicated and professional during operations, reiterating the need to remain responsive and work as a team to maximise operational gains.
The army chief, who spoke while on a courtesy visit to the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo, Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundu II, the Deji and paramount ruler of Akure Kingdom, admonished the troops to remain loyal to the constitution and the president.
