At least 219 Boko Haram militants and their families have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in Borno state.
The latest development was disclosed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who said that the fighters surrendered over the weekend in the North-Eastern state.
“The current trend of apprehension in their (terrorists’) camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorist group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to own troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August 2021,” he stated.
“A total of 186 Boko Haram terrorist members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females, and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol, and eight locally fabricated daggers.
“Similarly, on 15 August 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of four adult males, 11 adult females, and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua, and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.”
A photo released by the army on August 16, 2021, shows some of the weapons recovered from the repentant Boko Haram fighters.
Nwachukwu explained that the feat followed the recent massive surrendering of Boko Haram terrorists in Bama Operational area on August 2 and 4.
Since then, he stated that there has been confusion and severe apprehension in the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, especially among its top-ranking commanders over the depleting strength of its members which he said has drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency.
“It is against the backdrop that the terrorist group opted for the use of propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East,” the army spokesman said.
According to him, ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament which has posed a serious negative impact on its prowess.
Nwachukwu insisted that the terrorists were overwhelmed with palpable fear and were making desperate efforts to halt the surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis.
He said the military remained resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes in the country.
