The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said its troops swooped on the stronghold of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Timbuktu triangle of the Lake Chad Region, killing scores of its fighters.
The week-long clearance operation being carried out by the troops of Sector 2, Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, HYBRID Forces and Civilian JTF, in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that provided aerial cover and reconnaissance duties, stormed and eliminated dozens of terrorists in the general area.
The strikes in Kafa and Mafi general area by the NAF Component, on April 15, resulted to the total obliteration of two vehicles and the decimation of all the fighters on board.
Again several terrorists were killed when they fell under the overwhelming superior fire power of the troops on April 16, 2024. The troops recovered one hilux truck and another on 1 x 105 Pack Howitzer.
Part of the statement reads: “In a major victory against terrorism, Nigerian Army troops have successfully overrun a Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) stronghold in Borno State. The intense offensive is part of Operation Desert Sanity III, involving a combination of artillery and air bombardments, as well as ground battle along Ngumne, Kawaran, and Mangu Axis in the Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle. .
“Despite facing threats of improvised explosive devices and resistance from the terrorists, troops engaged them with heavy firepower, rooting out the terrorists from their stronghold. As a result of the successful operation, the gallant troops recovered vital armaments and other equipment, including two gun trucks, a 105mm Pack Howitzer, two exploded improvised explosive device cases, and a burnt Rocket-Propelled Grenade tube. The enclaves were also destroyed by the troops.
“This audacious operation demonstrates Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the region. The recovery of heavy artillery and Gun trucks marks a significant setback for the terrorists.”