- MNJTF reports insurgents surrendering in large numbers due to increased kinetic and non-kinetic operations, leading to mass surrenders
- Boko Haram commanders, fighters, and family members surrendering with arms and ammunition in Cross Kauwa and Baga areas
The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fighting insurgency in the Lake Chad region said insurgents have continued to surrender in large numbers.
The task force’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi said in a statement on Saturday that the development was due to the task force’s increased kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
In the wake of escalated kinetic and non-kinetic operations by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), coupled with a dwindling logistic supply in Boko Haram hideouts, mass surrenders rattle Boko Haram insurgents.
Over a span of two days, from 14 to 15 August 2023, four key Boko Haram commanders, 13 main fighters and a total of 45 family members laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Cross Kauwa and Baga of Kukawa LGA.
Surrendered items include seven AK-47 rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), nearly 440 rounds of assorted calibre ammunition and other essential tools of insurgency.
On the inaugural day of the recent mass surrender, 14 August 2023, two commanders, nine main fighters and 21 family members yielded to the relentless operations of troops stroked by the 19 Brigade in Cross Kauwa and 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga.
They voluntarily surrendered six AK 47 rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), 20 magazines (with two fully loaded), 12 rounds of 5.6 millimetre ammunition, two hand grenades, three Bandoliers, and 180 rounds of 7.62 millimetre ammunition amongst numerous items, he said.
According to Abdullahi, two commanders, four fighters, and their 24 family members surrendered last Tuesday.
He stated that the task force has continued to urge insurgent remnants to embrace peace and surrender before it is too late, adding that surrender is the safest path to peace and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Borno State government announced that the biometric data collection of repentant Boko Haram insurgents has resumed following a hiccup that prompted some of them to protest in Maiduguri.
Prof. Usman Tar, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, stated that a total of 6,900 repentant insurgents have been processed thus far.
He claimed that this was done as part of the “Borno Model” Disarmament, Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration (DDDRRR) program.
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