MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS

By: OLANIYI OSOBA

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has commemorated the successful completion of Operation LAKE SANITY 2 (OPLS 2 ) with a presentation of medal ceremony that celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of its troops. The OPLS 2 Medal presentation ceremony held at Headquarters MNJTF Farcha in N’Djamena, Chad was graced by the Minister of Armed Forces, Veteran and War Victims of Chad, Issaka Maluoa Djamous, as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH).

The Honourable Minister of Defence Chad, in a stirring address, commended the exceptional heroic action and dedication demonstrated by the troops throughout the operation. He stated that the success of OPLS 2 was not only a significant milestone but also a testament to the unwavering resolve and immense sacrifices of the troops.

The SGOH underscored the critical importance of collaboration between the MNJTF and national forces in restoring peace and stability across the sub-region, emphasizing that solidarity and team work have contributed to strengthening the foundations of lasting peace in the region which has been plagued by instability for several years. The SGOH also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the operation, reiterating that the sacrifices will never be forgotten.

In his welcome remarks, the Force Commander (FC) MNJTF Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali highlighted the critical successes under OPLS 2 over the past year. He said the achievement includes repatriating over 30,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, dismantling of crucial terrorists logistical bases, neutralisation of over 310 terrorists and the crippling of the Terrorists’ operational capabilities.

General Ali also reiterated that OPLS 2 also led to the arrest of over 160 logistics suppliers and informants as well as the surrender of more than 800 terrorists and their families as well as the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, indicating a decline in support for terrorism.

Major General Ali on behalf of the troops, expressed profound gratitude for the continued support and strategic direction provided by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, particularly by the Head of Mission during the operation. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of former force commanders , whose efforts in previous operations such as AMNI FAKAT, GAMA AIKI and YANCIN TAFKI laid the groundwork for the success of OPLS 2.

The occasion was graced by the Head of Mission MNJTF, Governors and Chiefs of Defence Staff of Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) and Key Military Commanders from national forces. Others are top government functionaries from Chad, Royal Fathers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and specially invited guests. Highlights of the ceremony include the decoration of the FC, DFC, sector commanders and troops for their outstanding contributions to OPLS 2.

The Chiefs of Defence Staff of TCCs were also honoured with the prestigious OPLS 2 Medal for their extraordinary contributions to regional peace and stability. In addition, families of soldiers wounded or who paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation were presented with tokens as a symbol of MNJTF’s profound gratitude and respect. The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the newly remodelled MNJTF’s Photo Stand by the SGOH

MNJTF CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF OPERATION LAKE SANITY 2, PRESENTS OPERATIONAL MEDALS TO TROOPS

Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Isah Killed in Clash with Repentant bandits Faction in Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Kachalla Dogo Isah, a notorious bandit leader involved in numerous attacks in Kaduna State, has been reported dead following a violent clash with a rival faction in Kachia Forest on January 7, 2025.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Dogo Isah and his gang attempted to rustle cattle from a camp led by the repentant bandit leader Kachalla Musa when the deadly confrontation ensued.

Dogo Isah, who had a notorious reputation for terrorizing residents of Kachia and parts of Kajuru Local Government Areas (LGAs), was the cousin of Tukur Sharme, another bandit leader killed in a similar fratricidal clash in September 2024.

The clash that led to Dogo Isah’s death resulted in him and two of his gang members being killed during the exchange of gunfire with Kachalla Musa’s group.

Kachalla Musa and his faction had recently embraced the peace initiative offered by the government and security agencies in Kaduna State, following a meeting with stakeholders in Tsohon Gaya village in Chikun LGA.

The initiative, which encourages former bandits to surrender and cease hostilities, had been extended to Dogo Isah, but he rejected the offer and continued his criminal activities, including cattle rustling and violent attacks.

Dogo Isah’s group has been responsible for several high profile attacks in the region, including the deaths of members of the 305 Artillery Demo Regiment in Makaranta Forest, Kagarko LGA, and an officer of the defunct Sect 4 OPWP near Gadan Mallam village along the Abuja-Kaduna road in 2022.

More recently, Dogo Isah’s group attacked Nigerian Navy personnel at a checkpoint in Kujama on January 5, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two Navy personnel and the theft of their AK-47 rifles.

While Dogo Isah’s death is seen as a significant blow to insurgent activities in Kaduna State, it has raised concerns among the recently repentant members of Kachalla Musa’s group. There is apprehension that Dogo Isah’s remaining followers may seek to retaliate, potentially destabilizing the fragile peace in the region.

Zagazola has obtained a Photos of Dogo Isah and two of his gang members at the scene of the incident have been obtained from sources and are being circulated for public awareness.

Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Isah Killed in Clash with Repentant bandits Faction in Kaduna

Boko Haram: Zulum donates N300m to slain soldiers’ families

By: Michael
Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has announced the donation of N300 million to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

Zulum announced this on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after attending the 2025 MNJT Operation Desert Sanity 2 Medal Parade held in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.

He said the donation would be disbursed through the “Tribute to Our Troops Charity Foundation,” which aims to honour the fallen heroes, celebrate serving men and women who fight endlessly to keep Nigeria’s territorial integrity intact and reach out to the families they left behind.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has set up a foundation that will look into the welfare of the families of the deceased soldiers and those who were wounded in action,” the governor stated.

The governor added that: “There is nothing we can do better than this; they sacrificed their lives to pay the supreme price. We shall continue to support them. I am happy that this kind of foundation has been set up. If there is any one state in Nigeria that should key in to support this foundation, it is Borno.”

He reiterated that despite the ongoing challenges, the insurgency in the North East had drastically reduced., urging the military to intensify efforts towards eliminating the remnants of the Boko Haram across the Lake Chad region.

The MNJTF medal parade, first hosted in 2017, honours troops who made supreme sacrifices and appreciates the commitment of soldiers and commanders fighting Boko Haram insurgents in countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

Zulum expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to fighting insecurity in the North East and other parts of the country.

He said: @Let me commend the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the leadership he has provided, motivating the troops and giving the direction needed to provide lasting peace in Nigeria.”

Boko Haram: Zulum donates N300m to slain soldiers’ families