By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a meticulously planned and boldly executed operation, Nigerian Army troops, in collaboration with a hybrid force and elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a relentless offensive on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, targeting the infamous Timbuktu triangle—a strategic bastion for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Lake Chad Region.
As the sun rose over the vast expanse of the desert terrain, the crackling sound of gunfire echoed through the air, signaling the commencement of a fierce battle. The insurgents, entrenched within their fortified positions, unleashed a barrage of attacks, employing Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), mortars, and gun trucks mounted with heavy weaponry in a desperate bid to repel the advancing Nigerian forces.
Undeterred by the ferocity of the enemy's assault, the Nigerian troops displayed exceptional courage and tactical prowess, maneuvering with precision to outflank and outgun their adversaries. With unwavering determination, they pressed forward, inching closer to the heart of the insurgents' stronghold with each passing moment.
In the heat of the battle, amidst clouds of dust and billows of smoke, the tide began to turn. The insurgents, facing overwhelming resistance and sustaining heavy casualties, found themselves outmatched and outmaneuvered. As the Nigerian forces breached their defenses, the insurgents, realizing the futility of their resistance, retreated in disarray, leaving behind a trail of abandoned weaponry and equipment.
In the aftermath of the victory, the Nigerian troops conducted thorough sweeps of the area, securing the territory and recovering a treasure trove of captured assets. Among the spoils were a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, a formidable gun truck bristling with an anti-aircraft gun, and a cache of arms and ammunition that included a Dushka Machine Gun, an AK-47 Rifle, and a locally fabricated gun. Additionally, the troops seized a significant quantity of munitions, including a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
But the triumph extended beyond the borders of Timbuktu. In a simultaneous operation, Nigerian Army troops conducted a daring raid on criminal hideouts in Katakpa Village, located in the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. In a swift and decisive action, they neutralized a notorious criminal and confiscated two AK-47 rifles, a Pump Action semi-automatic rifle, and a cache of ammunition, further bolstering their success.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded into the distance, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, commended the valor and resilience of the Nigerian troops. He praised their unwavering commitment to the cause and urged them to maintain their vigilance in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The victories in Timbuktu and Katakpa stand as testament to the unwavering resolve of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding peace and security within the region. With each operation, they strike a decisive blow against the forces of terror, reaffirming their dedication to protecting the lives and liberties of the Nigerian people.
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