The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has said 22 insurgents and six soldiers were killed in recently concluded OP Sharan Fage targeted at eliminating Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists hiding in Mallam Fatori in the fringes of the Lake Chad.

Colonel Muhammad Dole, Chief of Military Public Information, HQ MNJTF, N’Djamena Chad, who announced this in a statement on Thursday said the operation involved troops from Sector 3 Monguno (Nigeria) and Sector 4 Diffa (Niger) and was heavily supported by OP Hadin Kai (Nigeria)

Dole added that five gun trucks belonging to the insurgents destroyed, 5 motorcycles and several logistic bunkers were destroyed while e AK47 Rifles were recovered.

He added soldiers were 16 wounded in action while 17 suspects were arrested in the general area of operations and are being profiled.

“Troops met strong resistance from the terrorists, who launched several mortar attacks, laid Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the troops route of advance and further attacks with Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

“However, the troops brought superior fire power to bear on the insurgents forcing them to abandon their enclaves. Operation SHARAN FAGE was massively supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and other partners with air assets and surveillance Equipment.

“This Support spurred the determined troops to successfully clear enemy hideouts in and around Arege, Gashigar, Asaga, Kainoa, Bana and Kamagunma among other general areas,” said the MNJT spokesperson.

He added that on Wednesday, 29 Dec 21, the Force Commander, MNJTF, Maj Gen Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim on a debriefing mission visited the MNJTF Headquarters in Diffa, Niger Republic where he addressed the officers and men after receiving an after action brief by the Operational Commanders.

According to the MNJTF spokesperson, Ibrahim commended the uncommon display of courage by the troops who for taking the fight to the criminals hideouts in their areas.

After listening to the brief, Ibrahim said a lot still needs to be done but this was a good starting point.

He promised to mobilise more equipment and other operational enablers to the Sectors.

Ibrahim who declared year 2022 as a year of decision for the MNJTF vowed to uproot the criminals from their hideouts in the lake.

He paid tribute to the fallen heroes whom he described as martyrs of freedom while appealing to the people of the Lake Chad Basin to continue to support the MNJTF and to bring forward information.

He further assured them of the MNJTF resolve to clear the operational area and make it safe for all in the coming year in compliance with directives of the Service Chiefs of the Lake Chad Basin Countries.

Ibrahim was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Force Commander MNJTF, Gen Abdou Assoumane (Niger) and other key commanders of the MNJTF.