The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Ali has commended the contributions of local communities around Lake Chad in combatting terrorist threats.

The Commander hailed the communities for their support to the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity II in the region leading to recovery of stashed arms and others.

MNJTF, in a statement by the Chief Military Public Relations Officer, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi said the communities have shown support for ongoing operations by always supporting the troops.

Abdullahi cited how Boko Haram terrorists on 7 April 2024 targeted fishermen in Gourkuma, within the Blangua in Extreme North region of Cameroon under Sector 1, Mora, Cameroon.

He said the terrorists killed one fisherman, but in a courageous act of self-defense, another fisherman fought back with a paddle, successfully neutralising one terrorist and seizing a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) along with its ammunition.

In another instance, on 19 April 2024, Baga community in Sector 3 Nigeria reported a stash of 323 x rounds of 7.62mm ammunition hidden in a septic tank at a building site undergoing renovations.

He said the community reported the incident to the troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade who recovered them.

Furthermore, on 4 May 2024, fishermen in the Kwatan Aikawa while fishing in the Lake discovered some arms comprising two AK-47 rifles, two magazines, 76 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one hand grenade, which they promptly reported to the troops.

“These acts of bravery and vigilance by the local communities within the MNJTF’s Area of Operation have been key in isolating terrorists and providing critical support to the national troops,” Abdullahi said.

The MNJTF further advocates for increased cooperation from local communities, highlighting the success and importance of such partnerships in maintaining the safety and security of the region.