Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the north eastern flank of the country operating at the precinct of Niger Republic lost one officer and one soldier when they encountered Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) as they routed the camps and hideouts of Boko Haram terrorists in the area. Six soldiers were wounded in the explosion and are currently receiving treatment in Niamey, capital of Niger.

The troops routed and demobilized remnants of the sect from their camps and hideouts, clearing a dozen identified camps of the terrorists many of whom surrendered on account of hunger as their supply source had been blocked by the troops.

A statement issued by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) read:

The effects of difficult terrains and unpredictable weather conditions continue to pose serious challenges to the conduct of Operation GAMA AIKI. However, despite these limitations for the ground forces, the Air Component of the operation, through successful combined air operations continue to deny the terrorists freedom of action and movement within the battle fields. Recent air strikes and simultaneous clearing operations on 12 identified Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) camps and hideouts have greatly shattered their cohesion.

“Moreover, continuous blockade of the terrorists main supply routes and arrest of their logistics suppliers caused serious economic hardship and led to the surrender of many terrorists in different locations in the Area of Operation (AOO) of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Additionally, the troops of Sector 4 in Diffa Niger Republic tracked and neutralized 4 BHT suspected to have attacked the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp and Two (2) others were arrested at Tumoua village.

“In another unfortunate development, the troops of Sector 4 while on clearing operation after successful air strikes at Baroua village, encountered Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) explosion. This incident led to the death of 2 personnel (1  officer and a soldier) while six  soldiers were wounded. The deceased personnel were given befitting burial in Diffa and while the injured soldiers were evacuated to Niamey, Niger Republic for medical treatment. In spite of this unfortunate event, the morale and fighting spirit of the troops remain very high”.