Operation Lake Sanity 2 has marked a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram, with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) reporting a considerable surrender of 263 terrorists and their families between July 10 and July 17, 2024. This information was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief Military Public Information Officer, HQ MNJTF N’djamena Chad, on Friday.
The wave of surrenders began on July 11, 2024, when five Boko Haram terrorists laid down their arms and surrendered to MNJTF troops in Wulgo, a location on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Preliminary reports revealed that these individuals originated from Tumbuma and Kutumgulla in Marte Local Government Area, Nigeria.
The same day, Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old man, escaped from the Jibilaram hideout and surrendered to the troops. Furthermore, on July 11, 19 terrorists surrendered in the village of Madaya in Extreme North Cameroon, while another 11 surrendered in Wulgo, coming from the Tumbuma hideout in two waves.
The following day, July 12, 2024, saw the surrender of 64 individuals in Bonderi, Cameroon. This group included 6 adult males, 20 women, and 38 children. The trend of surrenders continued on July 13, 2024, with 27 terrorists surrendering to the MNJTF.
On July 15, 2024, another significant surrender occurred, with 102 individuals laying down their arms in Bonderi, Extreme North Cameroon. This group consisted of 20 adult men, 40 women, and 42 children. Additionally, on the same day, 5 individuals surrendered in Wulgo, with 2 coming from the Tumbuma hideout in southern Lake Chad. The following day, July 16, 2024, saw the surrender of 2 more terrorists.
The wave of surrenders culminated on July 17, 2024, when a total of 48 terrorists and their families surrendered. This group included 10 adult males, 15 females, and 23 children. Preliminary investigations indicated that all the surrendered individuals are Nigerians. Consequently, they were handed over to the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for further action.
This series of surrenders marks a significant achievement for the MNJTF and underscores the ongoing efforts to combat and dismantle Boko Haram in the region. The steady stream of surrenders suggests a weakening of the terrorist group’s hold and a growing willingness among its members to abandon the fight and seek a peaceful resolution.
