No fewer than 210 Boko Haram fighters and their family members have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 2, along the Lake Chad region.
MNJTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba said in a statement on Wednesday that the mass surrender follows intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the region.
The surrendered terrorists confessed to having participated in various terrorist acts along the Bakatolerom, Barkalam, Litri, and Kaiga Ngbouboun axis of Lake Chad, according to Lt.-Col. Osoba.
Ten assorted weapons of various calibres were recovered from the terrorists during the operation.
The spokesman described the feat as a “major blow” to Boko Haram fighters hibernating in the region, underscoring the effectiveness of the MNJTF’s comprehensive approach to the operation.
The spokesman said the Commander of Sector 2/Operation Lake Chad, Maj.-Gen Moussa Haussa, had since commended the troops for their commitment to fighting terrorists and urged them to maintain the momentum.
Maj.-Gen Haussa assured that those who surrendered will be treated humanely and will participate in the MNJTF’s deradicalisation programme,” Osoba said
According to Osoba, the Governor of the Region of Lake Chad, Brig.- Gen Saleh Haggar Tidjani, had welcomed the surrendered terrorists and promised to provide the repentant terrorists with a skill acquisition programme that will facilitate their reintegration into society.
“This initiative aims to provide them with sustainable livelihoods and support their transition back to peaceful civilian life,” he said.
