A total of 3,600 foreign soldiers from Nigeria’s
francophone neigbours have been deployed to work alongside the Nigerian
component of the Multi National Joint Task Force to fight the members of the
Boko Haram Islamic sect.
Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed
that Chad with 2, 500 soldiers contributed the largest number of troops to the
new offensive against the sect.The other countries, Niger and Cameroon are
contributing 700 and 400 troops respectively to the joint campaigns against the
insurgents.
It was also learnt that the MNJTF had started massive air
strikes and ground offensives against the insurgents. Though it was reported
that nine Chadian soldiers were killed in the battle to root out the Boko Haram
fighters from Gamboru Ngala on Tuesday, the sect also lost about 200 soldiers.
Reports on Chadian state television confirmed that the
soldiers killed 200 Boko Haram fighters and lost nine troops in the encounters
in the two border communities north of Maiduguri.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris
Olukolade, declined to comment on the casualties suffered by the Chadian forces in the
reported offensive against the insurgents at Gamboru Ngala.
Olukolade also declined comments on the number of troops
contributed by other countries in the joint operation.However, Olukolade
confirmed that a total of 2,500 Chadian soldiers were deployed for the joint
operation.
He said that the 2,500 soldiers comprised those that
would watch over the Chadian end of the border and those that would be involved
in the missions.
He said, “I cannot speak on the casualties being claimed.
However, as to the figure, 2,500 represents the total number the Chadian Forces
are expected to deploy.
“These include those who will keep watch at their own
country’s side of the border as well as those who will be involved in the joint
patrols and operations and campaigns,” he said in a text message to our
correspondent.
Source:Punch
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