MNJTF rescues 38 hostages, disrupts B/Haram’s supply chains in Lake Chad

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 3, has rescued 38 hostages and dismantled a critical terrorist logistics network during recent clearance operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Chief Military Information Officer at MNJTF headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said during a heightened clearance mission in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State and the Baga axis, troops intercepted a group of Boko Haram terrorists who were transporting a large number of hostages.

“Upon encountering the troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning the hostages, who were swiftly rescued. Among the rescued were eight men, eight women and 24 children,” Osoba said.

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According to him, preliminary investigations suggest the hostages were being moved from a Boko Haram stronghold in Dogon Chikwu, a site increasingly compromised by the relentless operational pressure from MNJTF forces.

The troops are pursuing the fleeing terrorists, who are suspected to be holding additional hostages, he added.

In a separate operation, MNJTF forces intercepted a Boko Haram logistics syndicate in the Gubio area.

Osoba said the group, using three vehicles, was transporting various supplies to terrorist camps.

He said the suspects-Mustapha Muhammadu, Abdullahi Muhammed and Usman Bintumi-were found in possession of a large cache of food, clothing, medical supplies, and other essential items.