MNJTF denies reported attack, killing of 18 soldiers by ISWAP

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has denied any recent attack on its troops and killing of 18 soldiers in its area of responsibility.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), spokesman of the task force, Col. Timothy Antigha, said in a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, that online media report on the purported attack, during which 18 soldiers were killed when a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military formation, was false.

According to Antigha, the reported attack and killing are falsehood being orchestrated by the media arm of ISWAP in its desperate attempt to revamp it parlous and deplorable image, adding that the desperation followed several weeks of devastating operational losses the group suffered in the Lake Chad area.

“It has been widely reported and it is now common knowledge that sustained offensive actions by MNJTF troops and national forces have resulted in over 200 ISWAP personnel casualties and defections, as well as numerous equipment seizures and destruction.

“The claim of killing 18 MNJTF personnel in an unnamed location is, therefore, very strange and completely untrue.

“Consequently, the general public is advised to disregard the ISWAP falsehood in its entirety,” Antigha said.

He urged the media to remain vigilant in order to frustrate attempts by terrorists to spread falsehood and propaganda in a bid to disrupt public order, peace and civility.