Navy and Army Eliminate 34 Insurgents in Lake Chad Area

Nigerian Navy Marines and the Army have carried out targeted operations against terrorists in the Lake Chad region, killing at least 34 insurgents.

Naval spokesperson Abiodun Folrunsho shared this news in a statement on Saturday. He explained that the operations took place from October 28 to 30.

The operatives, based at the Naval Base Lake Chad, worked with the Army 403 Amphibious Brigade. This brigade is part of Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.

On October 28, they killed 28 suspected Boko Haram members during an operation, according to Mr. Folrunsho.

In another operation on October 30, they killed six more insurgents in an area known as Dumba. He mentioned that the casualty numbers may change as assessments are still ongoing.

Mr. Folrunsho did not clarify if the operations were carried out using boats or on land. However, a blurry photo of a dead insurgent suggests the fighting happened on land.

Boko Haram and their rival group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are known to be active in the Lake Chad area. They often attack security forces and civilians, and sometimes fight among themselves on boats. Videos showing their conflicts on water have circulated online.

These groups take advantage of the large waters of Lake Chad and its islands. They often tax local fishermen and avoid military attacks. To counter this, regional security forces, under the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have started using naval and river patrols to limit the insurgents' movements.

Due to growing challenges faced by MNJTF, some observers say that naval and river patrols have decreased. This puts more pressure on Nigerian forces, which continue to use air and naval support.

Mr. Folrunsho stated that since their recent deployment to Lake Chad Bay, the marines have acted as a strong support under Operation Hadin Kai. They have improved the ability to conduct offensive actions against terrorists.

He added, "Their operational contributions have enhanced the capacity to target terrorist enclaves, disrupt hostile activities and deny Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action within the Lake Chad area." He also noted that these efforts help weaken the terrorists and support ongoing efforts to restore peace in the North-east.