’47 Boko Haram, ISWAP associates’ surrender to troops in Borno

The multinational joint task force (MNJTF) fighting insurgency in the Lake Chad region says 47 individuals associated with Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to the troops.

In a statement on Thursday, Abubakar Abdullahi, the MNJTF spokesperson, said the individuals surrendered to the 403 amphibious brigade troops of sector 3.

Abdullah added that the group comprises seven men, nine women, and 31 children “who returned to Kwatan Turare and Doron Baga, Kukawa LGA in Borno, after spending several years with the terrorists”.

“Items found in their possession include clothes, blankets, mats, pots, plates, and various other personal belongings,” the statement reads.

He stated that Muazu Adamu, a fighter within the Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS) faction, was among those who surrendered.

“Adamu operated under Commander Alai Gana and has surrendered alongside his wife,” he said.

The MNJTF spokesperson said other members of the group had been “engaged in farming activities while they were with the insurgents before deciding to escape”.

He added that initial investigations indicated the group escaped from Sharama, a location in the Lake Chad region.

He said the surrendered individuals are currently in custody, undergoing further investigation to ascertain their activities and affiliations.

“This development marks a step in the ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region,” he said.

”The MNJTF continues to encourage those still involved in terrorist activities to surrender and embrace peace.”