A key figure in the notorious Boko Haram terrorist organization has reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Borno State, marking a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region. This development was revealed in a statement by the MNJTF’s Chief Military Information Officer, Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, on Saturday.
The individual in question, identified as Bochu Abacha, is said to have been actively involved in several high-profile operations carried out by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to Osoba, Abacha voluntarily surrendered to the MNJTF forces stationed in Kukawa Local Government Area, located in the northern part of Borno State.
In his confession, Abacha admitted to being a seasoned fighter within Boko Haram’s ranks. He detailed his involvement in a number of terrorist operations, particularly along the Monguno-Baga axis, a region that has witnessed several violent incidents over the years. His decision to surrender, he explained, was largely due to the unrelenting pressure from the MNJTF’s intensified military operations in the area. Additionally, he expressed that he had lost interest in the group’s cause, leading him to escape from a Boko Haram camp in the Mussaram area, bringing his weapon along with him.
Upon his surrender, Abacha handed over an AK-47 rifle, a magazine filled with 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a mobile phone, and a sum of N32,500. These items were retrieved by the troops, who are now using the intelligence gathered from Abacha to assist in further military actions against Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. Colonel Osoba emphasized that Abacha is currently providing “valuable intelligence” to authorities, underscoring the importance of such surrenders in weakening the insurgency.
In a separate but related operation, MNJTF troops successfully ambushed a group of terrorists in the Gubio area of Borno State. The group, believed to be transporting a large cache of logistics supplies in three Toyota vehicles, was intercepted under the cover of darkness. A fierce gun battle ensued between the terrorists and the MNJTF forces. During the exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed, while others managed to escape into a nearby forest, abandoning their supplies in the process. The superior firepower of the troops forced the remaining militants to flee, leaving behind the vehicles and various goods, including large quantities of foodstuffs and other items intended to support their operations. A sum of N2,000 was also recovered from the scene.
This latest string of operations highlights the continued efforts of the MNJTF in combating terrorism across the Lake Chad region. The Joint Task Force, which comprises troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, has been at the forefront of the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP for years. Their intensified military campaigns have yielded significant results in recent times, with several high-ranking members of the insurgent groups either captured or killed in combat.
The MNJTF’s strategy, which combines ground assaults with intelligence-driven operations, has proven effective in dismantling terrorist networks operating within the region. The surrender of fighters like Bochu Abacha serves as a reminder that the relentless efforts of the task force are gradually bearing fruit. It also underscores the importance of intelligence in ongoing operations, as the information provided by surrendered fighters can often lead to the disruption of planned attacks or the dismantling of supply chains that sustain terrorist activities.
As the fight against terrorism in Borno State and the broader Lake Chad region continues, the MNJTF remains committed to its mission of restoring peace and security. The recent successes, such as the surrender of Bochu Abacha and the thwarting of logistics operations in Gubio, demonstrate that progress is being made, even as the threat of insurgency persists.
