- More than 280 Boko Haram militants were killed by Niger army near the southeast border with Nigeria in days of land and air raids
- In air strikes more than 200 jihadists were killed and a further 87 by ground troops since the offensive began
- Eight canoes and two rocket launchers as well as assault weapons, ammunition and vehicles were seized
The Niger defence ministry on Wednesday, January 2, said that its army has killed more than 280 Boko Haram militants near the southeast border with Nigeria in days of land and air raids.
In a report by AFP, the ministry in a statement read on state television said more than 200 jihadists were killed in air strikes and a further 87 by ground troops since the offensive began on December 28.
This is coming after Western African leaders held talks in November 2018 on the escalating attacks by the Islamist group in the Lake Chad area.
The operations were carried out on the islands of Lake Chad and along the Komadougou Yobe river which serves as a natural border between Niger and Nigeria, which has suffered a string of recent attacks on its military bases.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram: 40 mobile policemen posted to Baga still missing - Source
The army also said it lost no troops or equipment in its offensive and seized eight canoes and two rocket launchers as well as assault weapons, ammunition and vehicles.
Niger’s defence minister in December, said he feared Boko Haram would launch renewed attacks on its positions from January, when the Komadougou Yobe river’s waters which usually prevent incursions begin to recede.
Niamey was particularly concerned by the situation in Nigeria where “military bases have been defeated,” Defence Minister Kalla Moutari said in parliament.
“Boko Haram fighters were able to get supplies, they were able to reinvigorate themselves,” said Moutari.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
In a previous report by Legit.ng, despite criticisms, President Muhammadu Buhari says his government has made remarkable progress in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists.
According to the Crisis Group, Boko Haram insurgents have killed more than 70,000 residents, abducted thousands and displaced over 2.3 million from their homes since 2002.
The sect was ranked as the world’s deadliest terror group, by the Global Terrorism Index in 2015.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!
Can Nigerian soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters? - on Legit TV:
Source: Legit.ng
