Three soldiers from Sector 3 of the Nigerian Army, operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), lost their lives on Monday during a fierce confrontation with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Kukawa and Monguno areas of Borno State.
The tragic incident was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer at the MNJTF Headquarters in N’djamena, Chad.
While acknowledging the loss, the statement emphasized that the Nigerian troops had successfully inflicted significant damage on the terrorist groups during the engagement.
Osoba said, “The operation resulted in the elimination of terrorists and recovery of valuable assets.”
According to him, “The ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists who launched an offensive using suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) were met with superior firepower from the MNJTF Troops.
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“Following intense air cum artillery bombardments and ground assault, 5 terrorists were neutralized, while several others fled with gunshot wounds.”
He said that during the operation, the military air assets destroyed three VBIEDs while troops captured 40 motorbikes equipped with assorted weapons, four anti-aircraft guns, and one rocket-propelled grenade.
Osoba said, “Unfortunately 3 soldiers paid the supreme price,” adding that “This bold operation underscores the MNJTF’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the people in the Lake Chad region.”