The fight against Boko Haram has entered another decisive phase with operation GAMA AIKI to flush out the terrorists from the Sambissa Forest which is one of the last reminding hideouts.

According to the press release from the Head quarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force a major offensive dubbed operation GAMA AIKI was launched around the Sambissa Forest towards the Northern Borno state border with Niger and the Lake Chad Islands to halt the massive movement of Boko Haram terrorists fleeing the firepower of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Nigeria.

The terrorists were prevented from establishing other sanctuaries and hideouts in the Lake Chad region, the press release indicated.

Operation GAMA AIKI was carried out by troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force with air and ground support from National forces from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroun and Niger.

Beside the major operation, the Multinational Joint Task Force has recorded other operational successes are in the frontlines during some fierce battles with the terrorists in Doran Nairi, Faide-Jimba, Yebi-Tasugia, Yebi-Jemi, Alli Kanori, Yebi Tumanba and Alagarno.

The press release indicates that the villages up to Doron Naira along Sector 3 axis in Nigeria have been cleared. They have also liberated Littri, Madayi and some villages on the Lake Chad Island along Sector 2 axis in Chad hitherto infested by the insurgents.

During the different encounters with the MNJTF troops neutralized 31 terrorists, seized and destroyed large quantity of equipment and cache of arms and ammunition.

Among the equipment captured are 1 x Hilux mounted with Shilka gun with 97 rounds of 21mm (AA), 14 x AK 47 rifles, 4 x RPG Bombs, 6 x Mortar Bombs, 2 x GPMG rifles, 1 x HK 24 MG, 1 x AKM MG and 8 x Bandoliers among others equipment destroyed in suit.

The Multinational Joint Task Force lost two soldiers lost their lives in the fighting while 12 others were wounded and are currently receiving medical attention.

The Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, (MNJTF), Major General Lamidi Adeosun charged the troops to remain focused and determined to flush out remnants of insurgents from the MNJTF AOR. He was addressing the troops of Sector 3, Baga at the Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA) at the end of the operation.

He appealed to the civil populace within the operational areas to continue to cooperate with the gallant troops to enable the final defeat of the terrorists.

He equally urges the citizens living along the borders to be security conscious and watch out for fleeing Boko Haram elements during the operation and report all suspicious movements to the military and other security agents within the area.