Nigeria, Chad, others launch joint operation against B’Haram

A total of 3,600 foreign soldiers from Nigeria’s
francophone neigbours have been deployed to
work alongside the Nigerian component of the
Multi National Joint Task Force to fight the
members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.
Investigation conducted by our correspondent
revealed that Chad with 2, 500 soldiers contributed
the largest number of troops to the new offensive
against the sect.
The other countries, Niger and Cameroon are
contributing 700 and 400 troops respectively to the
joint campaigns against the insurgents.
It was also learnt that the MNJTF had started
massive air strikes and ground offensives against
the insurgents. Though it was reported that nine
Chadian soldiers were killed in the battle to root
out the Boko Haram fighters from Gamboru Ngala
on Tuesday, the sect also lost about 200 soldiers.
Reports on Chadian state television confirmed that
the soldiers killed 200 Boko Haram fighters and
lost nine troops in the encounters in the two
border communities north of Maiduguri.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen.
Chris Olukolade, declined to comment on the
casualties suffered by the Chadian forces in the
reported offensive against the insurgents at
Gamboru Ngala.
Olukolade also declined comments on the number
of troops contributed by other countries in the joint
operation.
However, Olukolade confirmed that a total of 2,500
Chadian soldiers were deployed for the joint
operation.
He said that the 2,500 soldiers comprised those
that would watch over the Chadian end of the
border and those that would be involved in the
missions.
He said, “I cannot speak on the casualties being
claimed. However, as to the figure, 2,500
represents the total number the Chadian Forces are
expected to deploy.
“These include those who will keep watch at their
own country’s side of the border as well as those
who will be involved in the joint patrols and
operations and campaigns,” he said in a text
message to our correspondent.