The Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)Major General Ibrahim Sallau has commended the contributions of Lake Chad’s local communities in combatting terrorist threats.
General Sallau said the communities have shown support for the ongoing operation Lake sanity ll on the region.
According to a statement by the Chief Military Public Information officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, made available to the press on Friday in Abuja, the case on point was on 7 April 2024, in Sector 1, Mora, Cameroon, when Boko Haram terrorists targeted fishermen in Gourkuma, within the Blangua in Extreme North region of Cameroon.
He said the attack took a fatal turn when the terrorists killed one fisherman. However, in a courageous act of self-defense, another fisherman fought back with a paddle, successfully neutralising one terrorist and seizing a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) along with its ammunition.
In another instance, on 19 April 2024, the vigilance of the Baga community in Sector 3 Nigeria led to the discovery of 323 x rounds of 7.62mm ammunition hidden in a septic tank at a building site undergoing renovations. This was reported to the troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade.
According to the statement, on 4 May 2024, fishermen in the Kwatan Aikawa made a discovery while fishing in the lake. They found some arms comprising 2 x AK-47 rifles, 2 magazines, 76 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one hand grenade, promptly reporting this to the troops.
Col. Abdullahi, also noted that, these acts of bravery and vigilance by the local communities within the MNJTF’s Area of Operation have been key in isolating terrorists and providing critical support to the national troops.
He called for continued cooperation from the local communities, highlighting the success and importance of such partnerships in maintaining the safety and security of the region.
