The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), conducted an extensive bombardment of Boko Haram enclaves in the Tumbums earlier on Monday and has killed 19 Boko Haram members.

The MNJTF including Nigerian, Chadian, Niger Republic, and Cameroonian troops have killed no less than 19 Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands around the border areas, also known as the Tumbums.

According to the MNJTF, it conducted an operation, Yancin Tafki, during which there were coordinated air and ground offensives in the Boko Haram strongholds. 

Chief Military Public Information of the MNJTF, Col Timothy Antigha, said in a statement released that the combined forces of the air force destroyed two gun trucks and captured two more trucks. 

He said, “As part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operations of the MNJTF, under the reviewed concept of Operation Yancin Tafki, combined forces from Sector 3, Nigeria, and Sector 4, Niger Republic, supported by the Air Task Force, Nigeria, and Niger Republic Air Force conducted extensive bombardment of Boko Haram enclaves in the Tumbums earlier on Monday.

“Today’s engagement was a coordinated air and ground operation. After (an) intensive firefight, 19 Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised, while others fled.

“The combined force with the support of the air force destroyed two gun trucks and captured two more.

“Four motorcycles, as well as arms and ammunition, were also recovered. Troops of the MNJTF did not sustain any casualty,” he said.

“This effort is expected to further degrade and deplete the Boko Haram, thereby consolidating on the successes of previous synchronised operations conducted within the MNJTF area of operation,” he added.