In a fierce encounter, fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram clashed with Nigerian Army troops, resulting in the tragic death of three soldiers in Borno State.
The soldiers, deployed from Sector 3 of the Nigerian Army under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), were engaged in a battle on Monday in the Kukawa and Monguno areas.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Chief Military Information Officer for MNJTF Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, confirmed the incident in a statement. He noted that while the troops suffered losses, they delivered a significant blow to the terrorists.
“The operation resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the recovery of valuable assets,” Osoba stated.
He added, “The ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters launched an attack using suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) but were met with superior firepower from the MNJTF troops. Intense air and artillery bombardments, combined with ground assaults, neutralized five terrorists, while many others fled with injuries.”
During the operation, military air assets destroyed three VBIEDs. The troops also seized 40 motorbikes equipped with weapons, four anti-aircraft guns, and a rocket-propelled grenade.
“Unfortunately, three soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice,” Osoba said, emphasizing that the operation reflects the MNJTF’s dedication to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of communities in the Lake Chad region.
