Troops overrun Boko Haram/ISWAP stronghold in Timbuktu triangle

Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by a hybrid force and elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a successful offensive operation on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Their target was the stronghold of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists located in the Timbuktu triangle within the Lake Chad Region.

In a statement, Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said following a fierce battle with the insurgents, the troops managed to overrun the stronghold, seizing significant assets including a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a gun truck mounted with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of arms and ammunition.

He said during the operation, insurgents utilized various tactics including Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), mortars, gun trucks, and motorbikes in their attempt to repel the advancing troops.

“However, the superior firepower and tactics of the Nigerian forces prevailed, forcing the insurgents to retreat, leaving behind their stronghold and equipment in disarray,” he said.

Nwachukwu stated that the operation dealt a significant blow to the insurgents, resulting in the neutralization of three terrorists and the capture of valuable assets including an MRAP, a gun truck, a Dushka Machine Gun, an AK-47 Rifle, and a locally fabricated gun.

Additionally, the troops seized a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb, 273 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a pumping machine, 65 Dushka links, 48 General-Purpose Machine-Gun links, and three motorbikes.

He said the gallant troops were pursuing the routed insurgents to further capitalize on their success.

In a separate operation, Nigerian Army troops conducted a fighting patrol to root out criminals in Katakpa Village, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

During this operation, one criminal was neutralized, and the troops recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one Pump Action semi-automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition.

The Director of Army Public Relations, commended the troops for their bravery and success in both operations.

He urged them to remain resilient and maintain the momentum in their fight against insurgency and criminal activities.