DHQ: 263 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered in nine days

No fewer than 263 Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly surrendered to troops of the multinational joint task force (MNJTF) in Borno.

Among those who reportedly turned themselves in was Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old, who escaped from the Jibilaram hideout.

In a statement on Friday, Abubakar Abdullahi, chief military public information officer in Lake Chad, said the unit has witnessed an increase in the number of suspected terrorists turning themselves over to the authorities since July 11.

“The wave of surrenders started on 11 July 2024, when 5 terrorists surrendered to MNJTF troops in Wulgo, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Preliminary information indicated these individuals hailed from Tumbuma and Kutumgulla in Marte Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria,” Abdullahi said.

“On the same day, Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old, escaped from the Jibilaram hideout and surrendered to the troops. Additionally, on 11 July, 19 terrorists surrendered in the village of Madaya, extreme North Cameroon, and another 11 surrendered in Wulgo from the Tumbuma hideout in 2 waves.

“On 12 July 2024, 64 individuals surrendered in Bonderi, Cameroon, including 6 adult males, 20 women, and 38 children. Moreso, On 13 July, 27 terrorists surrendered.

“The trend continued on 15 July 2024, with another 102 individuals surrendering in Bonderi, Extereme North Cameroon including 20 adult men, 40 women, and 42 children. Additionally, 5 individuals surrendered in Wulgo, with 2 coming from the Tumbuma hideout, southern Lake Chad.

“On 16 July 2024, 2 more terrorists surrendered. The following day, 17 July 2024, saw the surrender of a total of 48 terrorists and their families, comprising 10 adult males, 15 females, and 23 children.”

Abdullahi, a lieutenant colonel, said the suspects have been handed over to troops of Operation Hadin Kai for further action.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops of the Nigerian Army killed 121 terrorists, apprehended 252 insurgents and rescued 244 hostages in one week.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, who gave the update on Friday, said troops also recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 ammunition.

He said the weapons seized include 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 dane guns, one SMG rifle and seven pump action guns among others.

Buba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the north-east neutralised 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages.

In the north-central, Buba said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed 22 insurgents, arrested 38 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped persons.

He said the troops of Hadarin Daji, neutralised 31 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages in the north-west.

Buba said troops of Operation Whirl Punch also conducted offensive operations to Kwali area council in Abuja, Lokoja and Adavi LGAs of Kogi state.

“On July 8 and July 12, the air component of Operation conducted air interdiction on terrorists’ kingpin enclaves,” he said.

“The air strikes were on enclaves belonging to terrorist commander Alhaji Layi in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.

“Battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their structures destroyed.”