By Peter Jene, Senior National Correspondent
Gallant Forces Recover MRAP, Gun Truck, and Arms Cache in Counterterrorism Offensive
LAKE CHAD BASIN, Nigeria — On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Nigerian Army troops, in coordination with a hybrid force and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a major counterterrorism operation that resulted in the successful overrun of a terrorist stronghold held by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Timbuktu triangle located in the Lake Chad Region. A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were recovered from the operation, which was characterised by an intense combat.
Gallant Nigerian troops recover a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were recovered from a counterterrorism operation, which was characterised by an intense combat. Pix 1 Gallant Nigerian troops recover a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were recovered from a counterterrorism operation, which was characterised by an intense combat. Pix 2 Gallant Nigerian troops recover a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were recovered from a counterterrorism operation, which was characterised by an intense combat. Pix 3 Gallant Nigerian troops recover a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of weapons and ammunition were recovered from a counterterrorism operation, which was characterised by an intense combat. Pix 4
Desperate to stop the army’ advance, the rebels used a variety of weapons, including motorcycles, gun trucks, mortars, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). However, the terrorists were forced to flee their stronghold in disorder, leaving behind weapons and equipment, by the Nigerian Army troops’ superior firepower and strategic prowess.
Key Achievements:
Neutralization of Terrorists:
The gallant troops successfully neutralized three terrorists during the operation.
Recovered Military Assets:
One MRAP vehicle.
One gun truck.
One Dushka Machine Gun.
One AK-47 Rifle.
One locally fabricated gun.
Captured Ammunition and Equipment:
One Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb.
273 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
One Pumping machine.
65 Dushka links.
48 General Purpose Machine Gun links.
Three motorcycles.
The accomplishment of this operation shows how successful the Nigerian Army’s counterterrorism efforts have been and is a major defeat for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the area.
Ongoing Pursuit of Routed Insurgents:
Now that the onslaught has been successfully completed, the brave soldiers are taking advantage of their achievements by chasing the vanquished rebels. This calculated action seeks to improve the region’s general security environment while further undermining the terrorist organisations’ capabilities.
Separate Operation in Nasarawa State:
In a separate operation, Nigerian Army soldiers patrolled aggressively towards the hiding places of criminals in Katakpa Village, Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. One criminal was neutralised during the successful patrol, and two AK-47 rifles, one Pump Action semi-automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines, and ninety rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition were found.
Chief of Army Staff Remarks:
The troops have received praise from the Chief of Army Staff for their exceptional performance in both missions. He commended them for their tenacity and accomplishments and exhorted them to maintain the pace in the continuing war against terrorism. The praise is indicative of the Nigerian Army’s devotion to safeguarding the safety and welfare of the country.
As the Nigerian Army carries with its operations, these successes reinforce trust in the country’s attempts to eliminate terrorist threats and bring about peace by demonstrating the efficacy of counterterrorism tactics used in the area.
