By Nkechi Eze
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Region, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 3 Mongunu, have successfully facilitated the surrender of 7 suspected notorious Boko Haram terrorists, who have been active, including large cache of arms, in the Damasak axis of Borno State, Nigeria.
Chief Military Information Officer Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba in a signed statement made available to defence correspondents disclosed that the suspected Boko Haram terrorists identified as Mallam Baba Ibrahim (19), Malam Bamai Ali (20), Mallam Jundu Ali (19), Mallam Abba Ali (25), Mallam Abubakar Mohammed (20), Tijjani Ali (20 yrs) and Mallam Ali Mommudu (25).
They voluntarily turned themselves in to MNJTF troops at Walada village in Damasak after a sustained offensive operation by own troops.
He further stated that the suspected terrorists confessed to have been involved in numerous terrorist activities across Northern Borno and expressed their exhaustion with the conflict, though they previously feared they will be killed if they surrendered.
Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba further disclosed that the substantial arm cache and equipment surrendered by the suspected terrorists included 2 RPG tubes, 4 RPG bombs, an AK-47 rifle, an HK 21 German machine gun, and 8 empty magazines. Additionally, they handed over 2 horses, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 715 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 51 NATO rounds, 12 mobile phones, 6 small solar panels, 2 bandoliers, and 4 knives, among other items.
The former insurgents are now providing valuable intelligence to the MNJTF.
“The MNJTF wishes to encourage other terrorists to take this opportunity to surrender as laying down arms is a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the Lake Chad Region.
“The MNJTF remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability throughout the area.” He said.
