MNJTF eliminates 27 Boko Haram Terrorists

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have neutralized 27 Boko Haram terrorists in coordinated operations in the northern parts of Borno state.

Spokesman of the MNJTF, Colonel Timothy Antigha, said the troops also recovered armed and ammunition from them.

Colonel Antigha explained in a statement that the operations leading to the onslaught against the terrorists were in tandem with the resolutions and agreements reached by the Heads of State of Countries of the Lake Chad Basin to create a safe and secure environment in areas affected by Boko Haram activities.

Colonel Antigha said : “You will recall that at the summit of the Heads of State and Government of countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission held in N’Djamena, Chad, last November, multilateral agreements were fine – tuned and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) was repositioned to deliver on its mandate, which is to:

“Create a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorists groups, in order to significantly reduce violence against civilians and other abuses, including sexual and gender based violence, in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, among others.

“In pursuance of this mandate, the MNJTF launched Operation YANCIN TAFKI on January 22, 2019.

“Accordingly, varying degrees of successes continues to be recorded since the operation started. Over the weekend troops of the MNJTF again inflicted heavy human and equipment casualties on Boko Haram Terrorists in an engagement along Bukar Mariam, Saada and Tumbum Babba axis in Northern Borno. ”

Colonel Antigha said 27 terrorists were neutrilized while five AK 47 riffles were recovered from them.

He listed other weapons recovered as one AR Galil Riffles, Three G3 Riffles, two General Purpose Machine Gun .

Others are two Anti-Aircraft Gun, four Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG 7) Tubes, one M21 Riffles, RPG 7 Bombs, ,Assorted Ammunition – over 1000 Rounds.

According to Col. Antigha one Toyota L/C – was destroyed, one Nissan Gun Truck, one Toyota Gun Truck and a Motor Cycle were also destroyed during the encounter

He further said: “In the light of the forgoing, MNJTF wishes to emphasize that Boko Haram represents evil and an existential threat to everyone in the Lake Chad Area, irrespective of religion or creed.

“Therefore, the general public and the media in particular are enjoined to remain in solidarity with the military, as the ongoing Operation YANCIN TAFKI is intensified.

“The MNJTF and national forces are fighting a just war and will certainly conquer what is left of Boko Haram establishment.”