Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said its troops have killed a top Boko Haram commander, Malloum Moussa and 15 other terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Island.
MNJTF’s chief of military public information, Colonel Timothy Antigha, in a statement, said the terrorists were killed during a clearance operation embarked upon by troops around Kerenoa and adjourning areas.
Antigha, said five gun trucks recovered by the troops were destroyed, while a female who is suspected to be having a relationship with the terrorists was arrested and currently in military custody.
He said Malloum Moussa, before his arrest, had jurisdiction in the entire southern islands, including Daban Masara, Kirta Wulgo and Koleram. He was also said to be notorious for imposing hefty levies on farmers, fishermen and cattle herders to fund Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in the locality.
Antigha’s statement made available to Daily Sun reads: “In the continuing escalation of offensive operations aimed at making islands and other settlements in Lake Chad untenable for Boko Haram Terrorists, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) over the weekend embarked on clearance operation in Kerenoa and adjourning areas.
“Contact was made with Boko Haram Terrorists at Andakar Camp. In the ensuing fire fight, Malloum Moussa; Boko Haram Commander, along with 15 of his men were neutralized. Five gun trucks were also destroyed. A woman whose relationship with the terrorists is yet to be determined was apprehended.
“Information gathered has revealed that Malloum Moussa, who has one eye, was a high ranking Boko Haram Commander, who had jurisdiction in the entire southern islands, including Daban Masara, Kirta Wulgo and Koleram.
“He was notorious for imposing heavy levies on farmers, fishermen and cattle herders to fund Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in the locality.”