8th January, 2025
By Hamza Suleiman
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has successfully neutralised 310 terrorists and dismantled critical logistics bases during an offensive in the Lake Chad region.
This was disclosed by the MNJTF Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Salau, at the Operation Lake Sanity 2 Medal Parade held on Wednesday at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad.
Salau highlighted that Operation Lake Sanity 2, conducted between April 23 and July 22, 2024, achieved significant milestones in the fight against insurgency.
He said the operation dismantled vital terrorist logistic hubs, killed 310 insurgents, and led to the arrest of 160 logistics suppliers and informants.
“Additionally, over 800 terrorists and their families surrendered, reflecting a decline in support for terrorist activities in the region,” he said.
He added that the operation also facilitated the repatriation of over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), allowing them to return to their communities and begin restoring normalcy to their lives.
Salau credited the successes to collaborations among ground troops and air forces from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria, with limited air support from the Nigerien Republic.
He also acknowledged the vital support from the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission and the troop-contributing countries.
He said, “Collaboration through operations such as Amnifakat, Gamma Aiki, Yankin Tafki 1 and 2, and Lake Sanity 2 has significantly advanced the fight against terrorism.”
In honour of fallen and injured soldiers, Salau mentioned that compensation ceremonies had been held in Cameroon and Nigeria, with plans underway for a similar event in Chad’s Sector 2.
Chadian Minister of Defense, Mr Issaka Malloua Djamous, praised the operation as a pivotal moment in the fight against Boko Haram.
He emphasised the destruction of terrorist bases and the neutralisation of significant threats, while urging troops to remain vigilant against evolving terrorist strategies.
Djamous further lauded international partners, including the European Union, for their support in providing training and equipment. He called for enhanced regional cooperation and a collective commitment to sustaining peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.
The medal parade event was attended by governors of Lake Chad countries, chiefs of defence, traditional leaders, and other high-ranking officials. (NAN)
