May 30, (THEWILL) – A high ranking BH/ ISWAP terrorists kingpin, Musa Mani, has been captured by troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The troops also neutralised about 38 terrorists and recovered different grades of deadly weapons during a recent operations in the Lake Chad region.
Chief of Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Kamarudeen Adegoke, made this known in a statement issued in N’Djamena, while giving an update in the ongoing Operation LAKE SANITY, launched to curb the menace of terrorism in the Lake Chad Region.
According to him, 43-year-old Mani, who was captured in Damasak, confessed to be fleeing from sustained and intensed military operation against the terrorists.
The MNJTF spokesperson added that the fleeing terrorists also abandoned a five-year-old boy.
He added that a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supporting MNJTF operations in the Tumbuns, paid the supreme sacrifice during the operations, while seven troops from Chad and Niger suffered minor injuries.
Adegoke said the injured soldiers are being attended to at different military facilities.
The statement reads: “MNJTF troops from Nigeria and Chad, alongside Operation HADIN KAI, stormed the general area of Tumbun Rago, Tumbun Dilla and Jamina settlement, deep inside the Lake Chad Islands.
“The troops, alongside the follow-up airstrikes by the MNJTF/Operation HADIN KAI, led to the neutralisation of over twenty-five (25) terrorists and the recovery of 1 AK-47 Rifle,1 Anti Aircraft gun, and hundreds of assorted ammunition.
“Also, 1 Gun truck bearing Cameroon Gendarmes Logo, loaded with fuel was captured and destroyed, and household items, including uniforms and eleven (11) BH/ ISWAP motorcycles, were seized and burnt.
“At the same time, two (2) water-pumping machines were also recovered, and the entire camp was thoroughly burnt. In their haste to escape, the criminals left their five-year-old child named Babagana. The child in good condition will be handed over to the relevant authority.
“MNJTF troops from Nigeria and Chad, alongside Operation HADIN KAI, stormed the general area of Tumbun Rago, Tumbun Dilla and Jamina settlement deep inside the Lake Chad Islands. The troops, alongside the follow-up airstrikes by the MNJTF/Operation HADIN KAI, led to the neutralisation of over twenty-five (25) terrorists and the recovery of 1 AK-47 Rifle,1 Anti Aircraft gun, and hundreds of assorted ammunition.
“In a related development, troops of MNJTF captured a high ranking BH/ ISWAP member named Musa Mani, aged 43 years, at Damasak, who confessed to running away due to the intensity of the operation. He is currently being profiled in line with International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.
“Similarly, troops of MNJTF (Cameroon) launched a simultaneous Amphibious and Land offensive in the BH/ ISWAP infested riverine community of Kirta Wulgo. 5 BHTs/ISWAP terrorists were neutralised while others fled. Troops also cleared Gurmuchi Abuja and recovered 2 AK 47 Magazines, BHTs Flags, ammunition links, 1 Anti Aircraft Gun, Assorted ammunition and Grenades, while BHTs uniforms found were burnt.
“Operation LAKE SANITY also saw troops of MNJTF (Niger Republic) dealing a decisive blow to the BH/ISWAP who attacked their location at Baroua. The gallant troops successfully repelled the attack, neutralised 8 BH/ISWAP terrorists and recovered 6 AK rifles, assorted ammunition, 2 RPG Bombs and five mobile phones, among other items.
“Sadly, in these operations, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supporting MNJTF operations in the Tumbuns paid the supreme sacrifice. His remains have been airlifted to his community. Seven troops from Chad and Niger suffered minor injuries and are being attended to at different military facilities.
“The Force Commander MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, has paid tribute to the fallen hero, describing the CJTF as courageous young men and women who have contributed immensely to the Counter Insurgency operations. He also commended and praised the gallantry and commitment of all the MNJTF Forces and urged them to maintain the momentum until the criminals were destroyed or surrendered.”
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