The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) announced it has neutralized 30 militants in recent operations targeting jihadist groups in Nigeria's Borno state, according to a statement released Monday. The force described the casualties as 'terrorists,' a term it consistently uses for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
Operations Target Lake Chad Strongholds ¶
Two separate attacks in Tumbun Rago and Kirta Wulgo areas of Borno state resulted in the deaths of 25 and five militants respectively, the MNJTF said. Five soldiers from Chad and Niger sustained minor injuries during the operations, which occurred under the ongoing Operation Lake Integrity launched in March.
Historical Context of Regional Security Efforts ¶
The MNJTF, originally established in 1994, was reactivated in 2015 by Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria—later joined by Benin—to combat jihadist activity. The Lake Chad region has served as a refuge for militants since Boko Haram's rise in 2009, with the group's insurgency linked to over 36,000 deaths and 3 million displaced people, per UN data.
Continued Militant Activity and Military Response ¶
The MNJTF reported killing 20 militants in early May, highlighting persistent threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP. The force's operations focus on the lake's marshlands, where militants use islands as hideouts. A senior officer noted the offensive's progress in disrupting jihadist networks.
