3 ISWAP Fighters Surrender, 34 Women, Children Rescued

Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in continuation of “Operation Lake Sanity 2”, have rescued 34 women and children and killed one terrorist while three other fighters surrendered.

A statement by the chief military public information officer MNJTF, Lt-Col Abubakar Abdullahi, said troops on 15 June 2024 conducted clearance operations in the Mazuri, Itsari, Mudu, and Maleri villages on fringes of southern Lake Chad in Nigeria, where they rescued the victims and killed one terrorist in the encounter. He said three fighters from the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) based in the Jabilaram camp, a secluded islet on Lake Chad, also surrendered to the vigilant troops of Task Force Wulgo on 17 June 2024.

He said the fighters, identified as Babakura Abubakar (20 years old), Abacha Kyari (28 years old), and Mohammad Adam (29 years old), are undergoing interrogation for further action.

The statement said continued airstrikes at Kollaram on June 9, 2024, destroyed three suicide vehicle-borne IEDs poised for a major terrorist attack.

“This precise strike exemplifies the efficacy and capabilities of Troops Contributing Countries air force units in neutralising high-value terrorist targets and mitigating potential threats.

The combined efforts of ground and air operations are significantly degrading the operational strength and morale of terrorist factions in the region,” he said.

He reiterated that the MNJTF remains resolute in its mission to eradicate terrorism, ensure the safety of civilians, and foster a secure and peaceful environment conducive to sustaining long-term stability.

The force commander, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sallau Ali commended the bravery of the troops involved in the operations and reiterated the commitment of MNJTF to restoring normalcy and peace through continued vigilance and proactive engagements.