Not less than 47 members of Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP terrorists including their family members surrendered to troops of Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF on Tuesday in Borno State.

MNJTF in a statement said the family members of the surrendered terrorists included children.

Troops also in Taraba state arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered arms and ammunitions.

Also, in a recording breaking operation in Zamfara State, troops killed 6 suspected terrorists, rescued 48 persons kept hostage, recovered armoured vehicle, arms and ammunitions from the insurgents.

Details of the reports are presented below as made available by the military authorities.

Operation Lake Sanity II: 47 Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists Surrender to MNJTF

On 15 May 2024, a total of 47 individuals associated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade of MNJTF Sector 3, Nigeria.

The group includes 7 men, 9 women, and 31 children, who turned themselves in at Kwatan Turare and Doron Baga, Kukawa LGA Borno State Nigeria.

During the initial investigation conducted, it was revealed that these individuals managed to escape from Sharama, located in the Lake Chad Islands.

Among those who surrendered was Mallam Muazu Adamu, a known fighter within the Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS) faction, who operated under Commander Alai Gana. He surrendered alongside his wife.

Other members of the group disclosed that they had been engaged in farming activities before deciding to make their escape.

The items found in their possession include clothes, blankets, mats, pots, plates, and various other personal belongings.

The surrendered individuals are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to ascertain more details regarding their activities and affiliations. The MNJTF remains committed to maintaining peace and security in Lake Chad basin region.

This development marks a step in the ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region. The MNJTF continues to encourage those still involved in terrorist activities to surrender and embrace peace.

Signed: Abubakar Abdullahi, Lieutenant Colonel, Chief Military Public Information Officer, N’djamena, Chad, 16 May 2024.

Troops Intensify Operations In Taraba, Arrest Kidnappers, Recover Arms and Ammunition

In a decisive operation to enhance security and combat criminal activities in Taraba State, troops of 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have ramped up its operations in Bali Local Government Area apprehending two suspected terrorists and seizing significant quantity of arms and ammunition.

In a recent operation on 16 May 2024, troops from the 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area, conducted a successful patrol to Pamanga Village.

During the patrol, two suspects involved in kidnapping in the region were arrested. The apprehended suspects, Nali Umaru (26) from Jauromani and Abubakar Umaru (25) from Jauro Damji, both of Sunkani Local Government Area, confessed to being part of a notorious kidnapping gang operating in the general area.

Items recovered from the suspects were two locally made pistols, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and two cartridges.

The arrest of these two suspected kidnappers underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army in eradicating all forms of criminal activities and instilling confidence in the residents in the state.

The public is therefore encouraged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information on any suspicious activities in their communities.

GOC Admonishes Troops on Good Conduct

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has admonished troops of 6 Division to always be of good conduct in whatever they do.

He added that the conduct of the least personnel reflects positively or negatively on the reputation of the Nigerian Army (NA).

He gave the admonishment at a one day sensitization lecture on security awareness organized by the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), held at the Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt Barracks.

The GOC further advised troops to imbibe the core values of the NA, which he said include loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others. He further charged them to apply these values to their daily activities, as this he averred will enhance their level of professionalism.

Major General Abdussalam reiterated that it’s only greed and selfishness that results to lost of the core values, thereby leading personnel into all manner of illegalities, such as abuse of illicit drugs, illegal duties, betting and gambling among other sundry infractions.

The sensitisation lecture was delivered by the Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI), Major General Bobby Ugiagbe.

He explained in details serveral NA policies, ranging from social media policy, computer system security, documents security, detention management amongst others.

Major General Bobby also advised troops to remain loyal to constituted authority, as well as remain apolitical. He further said subversion and leaking out of unauthorized official information are offences chargeable under Armed Forces Act, which could lead the offender to several wasted years when caught.

The CMI stated that stealing and selling of weapons and ammunition is a dastard crime against the Army and humanity, adding that he who does that never can tell whose life could be terminated with those weapons.

Earlier, the Acting Commander, 6 Military Intelligence Brigade, Colonel Olabode Towobola while delivering his opening remarks, said that the sensitazation lecture is of utmost importance and apt due to the upsurge of the contemporary security challenges bedevilling the nation. This he said provides an insight on way forward.

Highpoints of the event were interactive session, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.

NAOWA Chairperson calls for boy child protection from harmful sociatal influence

The Chairperson Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 8 Division Chapter, Mrs Florence Godwin Mutkut has called for the protection of the boy-child from harmful societal influences.

She made this known during the International Day of the Boy Child Celebration held today in Sokoto.

Mrs Mutkut maintained that when the boy-child is taking care of, he will grow to become a responsible man in the society. She noted that recently boy’s enrollment in primary and secondary schools is on the decline while dropout of same is skyrocketing.

She further stated that there are incidents where young boys have been misguided into involving in vices such as fraud, robbery, drug abuse among others. A trend which she said is inimical to a better society.

The NAOWA Chairperson therefore urged parents and guardians to accord male children the right attention, guidance and support that will enhance their growth into responsible adults.

Highlights of the event include procession by participants and a presentation made by an Education Psychologist, Dr Abubakar Sifawa from Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto. The theme for this year’s celebration is Celebrate and Protect the Boy Child.

Signed: Ikechukwu Eze, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 16 May 2024.

Operation Lake Sanity 2: Force Commander Charges Troops to Positive Mindset

The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali, called on troops to maintain a strong belief in their abilities and potential for victory.

He made this known during his address to troops in Darak, Far North region of Cameroon, during an operational visit on 15 May 2024.

The visit was aimed at boosting morale and assessing the progress of Operation Lake Sanity 2. General Ali emphasized that self-belief and commitment are essential for achieving success in their operation to eradicate terrorism from the Lake Chad Islands.

He praised the troops for their dedication and resilience, expressing his satisfaction with their performance thus far. He assured them that Operation Lake Sanity 2 is a decisive effort to ensure that terrorists will find no sanctuary on the Lake Chad Islands.

Additionally, Major General Ali visited troops deployed in Wulgo, near the Nigeria-Cameroon border, further solidifying his support for the troops on the front lines.

He assured the troops all necessary support to secure results in the ongoing operation. Praising the local vigilante groups for their contributions, General Ali highlighted their sacrifices for their communities, recognizing the assistance they provide in intelligence and ground support.

Signed: Abubakar Abdullahi, Lieutenant Colonel, Chief Military Public Information Officer, N’djamena – Chad, 16 May 2024.

Troops Neutralize 6 Terrorists, Rescue 48 Hostages, Recover Armoured Vehicle, Arms In Borno, Zamfara

In a significant blow to terrorists in the North East and North West , valiant troops of the Nigerian Army engaged in Counter-terrorism operations have successfully exterminated 6 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 48 hostages. The troops had the encounter with the terrorists during a fighting patrol in the Fulatari and Kago villages of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The encounter led to a fierce exchange of fire, after which the overwhelmed terrorists fled the scene, abandoning their hostages.

The quick action of the troops resulted in the liberation of the hostages, including one adult male, 20 adult females, and 27 children.

Additionally, the troops recovered a Phantom Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), a 60mm mortar tube, a bandolier, three AK-47 rifle magazines, five rounds of 7.62mm x 51mm ammunition and a bicycle.

In a separate coordinated effort, troops, alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hybrid Forces Group, launched an offensive operation targeting terrorists’ enclaves in Garin Gulukos and Sabil Huda.

The operation led to the seizure and depletion of the terrorists’ logistics, including a Hilux vehicle, a Canter Troops Carrying Vehicle, 7 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, 2 motorbikes, four bicycles, three solar panels, a power generating set, an HP laser jet printer and a mobile phone without a SIM card.

A serviceable borehole within the terrorists’ enclave was also destroyed to disrupt their operations.

In another operation in Zamfara State troops conducting offensive operations to clear terrorists’ enclaves in Abaniyawa, Dokau,Yar Dutsi, Kungurki and Babba Saura areas in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State encoutered the terrorists in Kaura Namoda.

However, the terrorists fled during fire fight abandoning one AK 47 Rifle, one Magazine with 5 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one motor cycle. Troops further destroyed the terrorists’ life support structures.

Netherlands, EU Delegation Visit Theatre Command, Pledge Support For Stabilization Efforts In Borno State

A high-level delegation from the Netherlands and European Union (EU), led by the Ambassador of the Kindom of Netherlands to Nigeria and Chad Wouter Plomp, visited the Headquarters of Theatre Command (TC) in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on 15 May 2024.

The delegation’s objective was to engage with local stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, to gain insight into the ongoing stabilization efforts in Borno State.

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu, who welcomed them and expressed his appreciation for their partnership in addressing the complex security challenges in the region.

He emphasized that the mandate of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) was to restore normalcy to the North East region and create a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

Ambassador Plomp commended the military for their efforts in stabilizing the region and assured of the delegation’s support in achieving lasting peace.

Other members of the delegation also praised military’s good works and pledged to escalate their support to achieve the desired peace in the region.

During the visit, the Chief J9 Captain (NN) MA Abdullahi, presented a brief on the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities in the North East region and possible solutions.

The Theatre Commander seized the opportunity to solicit support for the replication of the Ngalaram model of community resettlement in the three senatorial districts of Borno State.

This initiative aims to promote community-led resettlement of displaced persons, fostering a sustainable peace in the region.

The visit demonstrates the Netherlands and EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis and promoting stability in the North East region.

The visit culminated with interactive session, signing of the visitor’s book, presentation of plaque and a group photograph.

Signed: Reuben Kovangiya, Captain, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters Theatre Command, 15 April 2024.