In a decisive offensive operation on Wednesday, Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with a hybrid force and elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, successfully dismantled a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) stronghold in the Timbuktu triangle within the Lake Chad Region. The operation resulted in the recovery of crucial assets including a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of arms and ammunition, following a fierce confrontation with the insurgents.
According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, insurgents launched a ferocious assault on the troops using a variety of weaponry, including a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), mortar, gun trucks, and motorbikes. However, the Nigerian troops’ overwhelming firepower forced the insurgents to retreat, leaving behind their stronghold and equipment in disarray.
The operation inflicted significant losses on the insurgents, with three terrorists neutralized and a substantial amount of weaponry seized. Among the recovered items were one MRAP, one gun truck, one Dushka Machine Gun, one AK 47 Rifle, and one locally fabricated gun. Additionally, troops confiscated one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb, 273 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one pumping machine, 65 Dushka links, 48 General Purpose Machine Gun links, and three motorbikes.
Presently, the gallant troops are pursuing the routed insurgents, aiming to capitalize on their success and further degrade the terrorist organization’s capabilities.
In a separate operation, Nigerian Army troops conducted a fighting patrol to eradicate criminal hideouts in Katakpa Village, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During this operation, troops neutralized one criminal and recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one Pump Action semi-automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
The Chief of Army Staff has lauded the troops for their successful operations and urged them to maintain their resilience and sustain the momentum in combating insurgency and criminal activities.
