In the early hours of Wednesday troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion deployed at an Observation Post sighted a group of persons approaching its Check Point at Liwanti village along Damboa-Bulabulin road, Borno State. On arrival, they were received and treated humanely based on International Humanitarian Laws and Rules of Engagement.

On preliminary investigation,  however, it was discovered that the 69 of them were indeed family members of Boko Haram terrorists escaping from Sambisa. Out of that number, 7 of them are men, 18 women, 7 grown up boys and 37 children.

At the initial state of interrogation, they claimed to have escaped from Boko Haram terrorists captivity at Ngwalimari village in Sambisa forest general area. But further interrogation revealed otherwise.

The troops recovered 15 bicycles, 5 Dane Guns and other personal effects from them. Further and thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain other information from them.

Meantime, the firepower of Operation LAFIYA DOLE (Crackdown)  appeared to have caused massive movement of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) escaping from SAMBISA FOREST towards Northern Borno state border with Niger Republic and Lake Chad Islands. In a concerted effort to keep up with its mandate, the Headquarters, Multinational Joint Task Force (HQ MNJTF) launched OP GAMA AIKI to clear all remnants of BHT in its general Area of Responsibility (AOR). This is aimed at ensuring that the terrorists are prevented from establishing another sanctuaries and hideouts in the Lake Chad region. Op GAMA AIKI involved the MNJTF troops and National Air and ground forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republics.

Since the launch of the Op GAMA AIKI, appreciable operational successes are being recorded in the frontlines. During some fierce encounters with the terrorists such as; Doran Nairi, Faide-Jimba,  Yebi-Tasugia, Yebi-Jemi, Alli Kanori, Yebi Tumanba and Alagarno villages up to Doron Naira along Sector 3 (Nigeria) axis have been cleared. Likewise, Littri, Madayi and some villages on the Lake Chad Island along Sector 2 axis hitherto infested by the insurgents were successfully cleared by Sector 2 (Chad).

During these encounters, MNJTF troops neutralized 31 terrorists, seized and destroyed large quantity of equipment and cache of arms and ammunition. Among the equipment captured are 1 x Hilux mounted with Shilka gun with 97 rounds of 21mm (AA), 14 x AK 47 rifles, 4 x RPG Bombs, 6 x Mortar Bombs, 2 x GPMG rifles, 1 x HK 24 MG, 1 x AKM MG and 8 x Bandoliers among others equipment destroyed in suit. While MNJTF lost 2 x soldiers and 12 others were wounded, who are currently receiving medical attention.

While addressing the troops of Sector 3 Baga at the Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA), the Commander, MNJTF, Major General Lamidi Adeosun charged the troops to remain focused and determined to flush out remnants of insurgents from the MNJTF AOR. The Commander wishes to use this medium to appeal to the civil populace within the operational areas to continue to cooperate with our gallant troops to enable the final defeat of the BHT. He equally urges the citizens living along the borders to be security conscious and watch out for fleeing BH elements during the operation and report all suspicious movements to the military and other security agents within the area.