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The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on Saturday said it eliminated 300 Boko State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters in the fringes of North East Lake Chad.
Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, the Chief of Military Public Information Officer HQ MNJTF N’Djamena, who said this in a statement released in Maiduguri, said the terrorists were killed in 30 separate encounters .
Adegoke said that the Force Commander, Gen. Abdul Khalifa stated this during an appraisal meeting with all Commanders of the MNJTF drawn from all sectors.
Khalifa said that the meeting was designed to appraise the operations so far in preparation for the next decisive stage.
He said that an increasing dependence on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) by the insurgents was noted and necessary counter measures were proffered.
“About four IED making factories were destroyed in the course of the operations so far.”
He praised the decisive role of the Air component of the Operation Hadin Kai for the remarkable role it played in taking out several enemy camps, equipment and commanders.
The force commander said the latest being Abu Ibrahim, an ISWAP leader ( Khalifa) in the Lake Chad Tunbumas, who was a leader before in the Timbuktu General areas.
He said that the achievement was recorded due to the synergy and cooperation with Operation Hadin Kai .
According to him, more than 52,000 terrorists comprising fighters, those conscripted by force, and their families have surrendered in the MNJTF and Op Hadin Kai areas of operational responsibility.
He called on the terrorists be they Boko Haram faction or ISWAP to abandon the criminal organisation and surrender like thousands of their compatriots had done before it becomes too late.
“The entry of the Chadian contingent provides additional firepower in terms of armoured personnel Carriers ,MRAPS and other combat enablers and urged the criminal Boko Haram be hunted and wiped out wherever they are,” he said.
He also praised the maritime efforts so far and said he looks forward to more successes in the next few days and weeks.
“Regrettably, the Operation recorded about seven casualties comprising six soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force supporting the operations.
“Several troops have also been injured but are recuperating well.”
He prayed for the repose of the heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice and quick recovery for the injured.
The force commander also commended the officers and men of the MNJTF for their commitment and gallantry, noting that history would remember their role in ending the scourge of terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
(NAN)
The Federal Government says that the country is becoming safer every day with the series of successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits and other criminal elements. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this at a press conference on Monday in Abuja. He said that the security forces took the battle to the bandits and put them to flight and their ranks are being decimated. “I am proud of our security forces, our men and women in uniform. Despite a host of security challenges, they live up to the billing. “As terrorists and their camps are decimated, thousands of terrorists and their families are surrendering en masse. "The effectiveness of the security forces has improved thanks to Buhari and the unwavering commitment of the armed forces and their leaders," he said. The minister also attributed the successes to the acquisition of modern platforms for the armed forces. He said that modern platforms had come a long way in raising the level of their operational readiness and efficiency, as well as increasing their capabilities. “Among others, the Nigerian Army has procured 160 MRAPS, 150 trucks and 60 APCs to improve its equipment storage capacity. “This is in addition to the provision of accommodation for the troops and the recruitment of more than 10,000 troops into the Army. “The Nigerian Navy (NN), for its part, commissioned the FALCON EYE maritime domain awareness capability, the third locally built Seaward defense ship, a helicopter, 4 coastal patrol boats and 90 rigid hull inflatable boats,” he said. . Mohammed said that more than 1,500 people were recruited into the Navy during the year, while the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) received 12 Super Tucanos and 3 JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft and other platforms. He said the Air Force used the platforms to conduct various aerial interdictions, provide close air support to ground troops, and destroy various illegal structures and equipment belonging to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements. The minister also praised the implementation of the community policing initiative which, he said, led to the training of 25,000 police officers in various police schools across the country. He said the administration approved reviewing and updating the penny of police personnel salaries and an improved allowance for police officers' duty trips to boost their morale.
The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has assured of Federal Government’s commitment to upscale local production of military equipment for enhanced combat efficiency of the Armed Forces.
Magashi gave the assurance in Abuja at a two- day Stakeholders Public hearing on a Bill for an Act to Enact Nigerian Local Content Act to provide for the Development, Regulation and Enforcement of the Nigerian Content at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Mr Mohammad Abdulkadri, in a statement said the public hearing was organised by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Content Development and Monitoring.
Magashi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Babangida Hussaini lauded the Executive Order 003 and 005 of 2017 and 2018 on local content.
He said the executive orders had engendered new template in empowering the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to attain higher indigenous productive levels.
According to him, the military is well motivated, mobilised and empowered to look inward to professionally implement the local content policy towards mitigating the problems associated with acquisition of platforms from foreign countries.
The minister said the recent inauguration of first locally manufactured Armoured Vehicles, MRAPS and some range of defence weapons was a result of local content development by the military.
According to him they include, Munitions, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) as well as other related items and Civilian Products Manufactured by the military engineers at DICON.
He assured the lawmakers of his commitment to sustain the military’s trajectory in blazing the trail in the nation’s technological development.
He said the locally produced fighting equipment had drastically saved the country huge cost of importation of military hardwares.
Edited By: Obike Ukoh
Source: NAN
As part of efforts to tackle the prevailing security challenges confronting the country, the Nigerian Army has taken delivery of more sophisticated platforms and war equipment for its operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Baratai, disclosed this at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff’s combined first, second and third quarters conference, on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Buratai stated that while some of the platforms were procured from foreign sources, some were sourced locally through local ingenuity and collaborations.
“To this end, the Nigerian army recently took delivery of key platforms to reinvigorate our operations.
“These include the VT4 and FT1 tanks, the KIA light tactical vehicles as well as the SH2 and SH5 self-propel artillery guns.
“Post treatment training is ongoing on this equipment and they would soon be inducted into the theatre.
“The Nigerian Army received some armoured personnel carrier from Jordan and we are expecting the delivery of other major capabilities.
“Furthermore, through local ingenuity, Nigerian Army facilitated the production and delivery of the pro-force MRAPs, Ezugwu MRAPS as well as the Conqueror and Champion barriers.
“Despite teething challenges in the new innovation, these platforms have no doubt enhanced the effectiveness of our troops across various theatres.
“We will continue to work assiduously to ensure that we support all operations with equipment and platforms,’’ he said.
Buratai however, urged the commanders to ensure judicious deployment of the assets in order to justify the huge resources expended on them by the Federal Government.
He said the ongoing operations in different parts of the country to curtail the activities of criminals had witnessed tremendous successes.
The COAS said the military had done well in curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers, as well as farmer-herder clashes and other crimes.
He urged the field commanders to sustain the tempo of operation to ensure the total decimation of all the inimical forces across the country.
According to Buratai, the Nigerian Army had done well in operation Lafiya Dole and the recently launched operation Sahel Sanity in the North West to rid the Katsina, Zamfara, corridors of marauding bandits.
“Similarly, operation Hadarim Daji is very active in other parts of the 8 Division area of operation in order to curb incessant farmers and herders’ clashes.
“Also, since its establishment with headquarters in Doma, the 4 Special Forces Commend in conjunction with the Guards Brigade has conducted impactful operations in Nasarawa State.
“I am happy to observe that the various operations are currently achieving the desired objectives,’’ he said.
Buratai, while paying tribute to fallen officers and soldiers, said that the army had put in place elaborate housing programme for the families of the killed-in-action personnel.
He also assured that comprehensive medical treatment for all wounded personnel would always be accorded the highest priority.
Buratai said the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri and Abakiliki are just a few of several measures in this regard.
The Army chief commended the media and public for their understanding and positive change of perception regarding the Nigerian Army, adding that the media remained a powerful force in ensuring a progressive society.
He also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration in tackling security challenges through positive, constructive and conscious media reportage.
Buratai commended the collaboration of sister services and other security agencies, and called for more support and collaboration towards making the country safe for all.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum for their support towards defeating terrorism and ensuring peace and stability in the north east.
Edited By: Edwin Nwachukwu/Razak Owolabi
Source: NAN
The Nigerian Army has deployed four newly acquired Mine Resistant Anti-Ambush Personnel (MRAP) Vehicles to the theatre of counter insurgency operations in the Northeast.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, inducted the vehicles on Tuesday in Maigumeri super camp in Maiduguri.
The ceremony also included sallah celebration and lunch with troops of special forces in their camp as well as the tour of the camp under renovation by the army.
The Nigeria News Agency recalls that the MRAPS which was handed over to the Special Forces Command, was unveiled by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, in July.
Buratai said the MRAP vehicles would offer increased firepower, enhanced force protection against small arms as well as improved capability.
He said that the induction ceremony was a boost to operational capability to decisively prosecute the ongoing counterterrorism operations.
He, however warned that deploying the equipment without strong will and determination by men, cannot win war.
“You must therefore remain resolute in the discharge of your duties while strengthening your commitment to end this war in no distant time.
“Let me assure you that we shall continue to give due priority and attention to specialised training as well as improve welfare for effective employment of special forces.
“You will recall that the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command was established recently to coordinate deployment and employment of all Special Forces across the country.
“This has brought about effective and efficient utilisation of special forces within the theatre of operation.
“The recent recapture of Baga by the special forces is most instructive in this regard,” he said.
While commending efforts of the special forces, Buratai said their acts of gallantry, selfless sacrifice and professional conduct had been instrumental to numerous successes recorded by the army in recent time against Boko Haram Terrorists.
He pledged that the army authorities would not stop at providing them the needed equipment, training and resources to deliver on thier mandates in the defence of the nation.
Earlier, the Commander, Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Mhounday Ali, said the provision of the MRAPs would spur the command to ensure that remnants of ISWAP and Boko Haram were swept off Nigeria’s territory.
He said the command had resolved since its establishment in 2018 to look inward in fabricating the needed weapons and vehicle spares.
“The provisions of these dearly required armoured vehicles has further buttressed the Chiefs unflinching support to the command.
“It is against this backdrop that, I on behalf of officers and men of the command wish to reiterate our commitment and assurance that, we will not relent in our effort to shape the battle situation in the theatre.
“To my Muslim brothers in whose honour we are gathered this morning, I pray that, Allah will answer our supplications, give us the strength, wisdom and knowledge to execute this war to a logical end in our time.
“I also pray that God Almighty will forgive and grant our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the course of this war against the terrorists,” he said.
