More Boko Haram, ISWAP Terrorists Surrender as Troops Intensify Onslaught in Borno

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja.

The Nigerian Military says that more members of Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists have surrendered to the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at Banki Town in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

This was as it inched closer to the final defeat of insurgency in the North East region.

The Military Operations Media Coordinator, DHQ, Maj. Gen. John Enenche disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Enenche said the elements are either being arrested or neutralized and their equipment captured or destroyed while others continue to surrender amidst sustained artillery bombardments and offensive onslaught against their enclaves/hideouts by the  gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. 

According to him On 29 May 2020, another Boko Haram/Islamic State's West Africa Province fighter by name, Muhammadu Abubakar AKA Babagana surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion deployed at Charlie Six Check Point in Mongonu, Borno State.

He said Preliminary interrogation revealed that the 19 year old repentant Boko Haram fighter joined the group about a year ago at Shaharam and participated in the attack on Tumbun Shaje.

Enenche also said the the terrorists 'Banagana' while regretting his past actions, called on his erstwhile colleagues who are currently in a state of despair and confusion in the forests to surrender to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

"It would be recalled that on 24 May 2020 another Boko Haram fighter Malam Adamu Yahaya AKA Saad Karami surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion in Mongonu". He informed. 

Enenche also disclosed that on the same day, another Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province fighter, 35 year old Muhammadu Kabudumi AKA Amir Sabat also surrendered to the troops 242 Battalion in Monguno Borno State.

He said Kabudumi confessed to joining the Boko Haram sect in 2015 but denied participating in any of the sects' operations. 

He however revealed that he has done duties at Boko Haram criminals camps at Abadam, Malam Fatori and Duguri under the leadership of Muhammadu Lawan, a notorious Boko Haram Commander. 

"On 28 May 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru deployed in Ngala LGA of Borno State conducted long range clearance operations to Gulwa, Diime, Musiri, Wuri Bari, Mada, Sangaya, Jarawa, Mutu, Isari and Mudu Villages of the same LGA.  

"At Isari Village, troops uncovered a Boko Haram criminals' hideout with well constructed battle trenches. The troops captured 3 of the bandits and recovered one AK 47 Rifle loaded with a magazine containing 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 swords, one cutlass, one axe, a set of arrows and charms. 

"Also, on 27 May 2020,  troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI deployed at Forward Operation Base Marafa raided an abandoned makeshift hut in Karama village and recovered one AK 47 Rifle and 25 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. However, no arrest was made as the criminals are suspected to be deceptively using the location as armoury". He explained. 

The DMOs also disclosed that on 27 May 2020, troops of 17 Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Nigeria Police stormed a bandits’ hideout in Dumburun Forest and rescued 3 abducted victims. 

During the operation the he said the gallant troops neutralized one bandit and recovered one FN Rifle mounted with magazine while others fled. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families. 

"On the same day, following intense pressure mounted on bandits by the resilient troops of Operation KATSINA, some repentant bandits pleaded to surrender their weapons as well as jettison their criminal acts. 

"Accordingly, 5 AK 47 Rifles, one Sniper Rifle, one FN Rifle, one PKT Machine Gun, one spare PKT Machine Gun barrel, one Pistol and one block engine of PKT Machine Gun were surrendered by the bandits.

"Other surrendered items include 5 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 2 FN Rifle magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted also surrendered to troops of Operation KATSINA". He said 

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, wishes to reassure the general public of the unflinching resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better and secure Nigeria.

“He also thanks all well-meaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding toward the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army,” Enenche noted