The Multinational Joint Task Force says it has killed 310 terrorists and dismantled critical logistics bases in the Lake Chad region.

Troops of the task force killed the terrorists during Operation Lake Sanity 2, a major offensive designed to combat insurgency in the region.

The force commander, Ibrahim Salau, stated this during the MNJTF Operation Lake Sanity 2 Medal Parade held on Wednesday at the MNJTF Headquarters in Farcha, N’Djamena, Chad.

He said the MNJTF has recorded successes and facilitated the repatriation of over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, adding to their return to communities and restoring normalcy in their lives.

Mr Salau said the operation conducted from April 23 to July 22, 2024, resulted in the dismantling of critical terrorists’ logistic bases, the killing of 310 terrorists, and the arrest of 160 logistic suppliers and informants.

“Additionally, over 800 terrorists and their families surrendered, indicating a decline in support for terrorism,” said Mr Salau.

While acknowledgi the contributions of the operations such as Amnifakat, Gamma Aiki, Yankin Tafki 1 and 2, and Lake Sanity 2, Salau attributed its advancements to the unwavering support by the troops contributing countries and the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission.

“Collaboration among ground troops and air forces from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria formed six formidable task forces united against terrorism. Limited air support from the Nigerien Republic also contributed to the operation’s success,” he disclosed.

Mr Salau said that compensation ceremonies were previously held for fallen and injured soldiers in Cameroon and Nigeria, with a similar ceremony planned for Sector 2 in Chad to honour their memory.

According to Salau, the ceremony held in Chad seeks to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers during Operation Lake Sanity 2, where several troops lost their lives and many others were wounded.

Mr Salau commended development partners for their support towards enhancing regional security and stability.

Chad’s defence minister, Issaka Malloua Djamous, reiterated the country’s commitment to peace and security in the region.

Mr Djamous described Operation Lake Sanity as a pivotal moment in the fight against Boko Haram, highlighting the destruction of terrorists’ bases and the neutralisation of numerous threats.

He tasked troops to intensify vigilance against evolving terrorist strategies, stressing the need for enhanced human and material capacities.

The minister lauded the European Union and other partners in providing training and equipment and called for closer regional cooperation and collective commitment among member states.

(NAN)