MNJTF Troops Repel Terrorists Attack at Fitine Island, Chad

Troops of Sector 2 of the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, have successfully repelled an attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters at Fitine Island in Chad’s Lake Province.

The insurgents attempted to infiltrate the fishing community under the cover of darkness with the aim of overrunning the military position. The MNJTF personnel responded with sustained firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw into the Lake Chad waterways, leaving behind casualties.

The operation underscores the continued vigilance of the MNJTF in securing communities across the Lake Chad region and preventing terrorist incursions

In a statement issued by the Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi, follow-up exploitation led to the recovery of six neutralised insurgents, six AK-47 rifles, fully loaded magazines, a PKT general purpose machine gun and assorted ammunition. Two soldiers who injured during the encounter were evacuated for medical attention.

The Force Commander MNJTF, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, Force Commander, MNJTF, who visited the location, commended the troops for maintaining combat effectiveness under limited visibility.

Major General Audu said that “ongoing clearance operations across the theatre are increasing pressure on insurgent elements.”

He referenced recent operations in Darak and Bargaram under Sector 1 in Cameroon, where additional fighters, including foreign mercenaries, were neutralised.

A similar pattern played out in Malam Fatori, where troops of 68 Battalion under Sector 3 repelled a multi-pronged attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters between 18 and 19 March, preventing what military authorities described as ‘an attempted overrun and possible targeting of civilian populations.’

During a post-operation assessment visit, the Force Commander, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu, Force Commander, MNJTF, accompanied by Major General S Tilawan, Commander Sector 3, MNJTF, and Colonel Emmanuel Okon Ikang, Ag Commander 19 Brigade, conveyed commendations from senior defence leadership, including the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff.

Addressing troops at the location, Major General Saidu Tanko Audu emphasised sustained vigilance and operational discipline, warning of potential reprisal attempts following what he described as significant losses inflicted on insurgent forces.

He assured the officers of continued logistical support and directed commanders to maintain pressure on hostile elements.

The visit also included a review of defensive positions, with adjustments made to trench systems and firing layouts to strengthen the battalion’s defensive posture and improve readiness against future attacks.