In a significant development in the ongoing battle against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region, six members of Boko Haram, including a high-ranking commander, have surrendered to the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). This surrender took place on Thursday, May 23, and was disclosed in a statement released by the MNJTF’s Chief Military Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, on Friday.
The surrendering insurgents included a commander identified as Adamu Mohammed. Alongside him were Isah Ali, 18; Hassan Modu, 18; Nasir Idris, 23, who served as an escort for the Commander of Jubillaram Usman Rash; Abba Aji, 21; and Abubakar Isah, 20. These individuals had escaped from an ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) faction hideout located in Jubillaram, Southern Lake Chad. Adamu Mohammed, aged 22, had been involved in numerous terrorist operations across various locations such as Kangarwa, Alagarno, Doro Naira, and Dogon Chikwu within the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria.
The surrender of these insurgents is noteworthy not only because of their decision to abandon terrorism but also due to the items they handed over to the military. According to the statement, they surrendered 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a warhead of anti-aircraft rounds. These materials are now in the custody of the authorities, and the surrendered fighters are currently undergoing investigation to extract further intelligence and understand the extent of their activities.
This incident is part of a larger trend of surrenders among terrorist fighters in the region. According to Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi, since the initiation of Operation Lake Sanity II, which aims to eradicate insurgents from the region, there has been a significant uptick in the number of terrorists renouncing their activities. Specifically, since April 23, 2024, a total of 119 insurgents have surrendered to the MNJTF. This operation reflects the concerted efforts of the military to create a secure environment in the Lake Chad Basin, which has long been plagued by terrorist activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi emphasized the importance of these surrenders, highlighting that they mark a critical step towards restoring peace and stability in the region. He urged other insurgents to follow the example of those who have already surrendered, laying down their arms and embracing peace. “The MNJTF appeals to other terrorists to follow suit, lay down their arms, and embrace peace. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a secure environment in the Lake Chad Basin region,” Abdullahi stated.
This appeal to remaining insurgents underscores the ongoing efforts by the MNJTF and other security forces to dismantle terrorist networks and provide a pathway for former fighters to reintegrate into society. The surrender of these six insurgents, particularly with the involvement of a key commander, is a testament to the increasing pressure on terrorist factions and the potential for more fighters to abandon their destructive paths.
The MNJTF’s strategic operations and the resulting surrenders are crucial in the broader context of regional security. As the task force continues its operations, the hope is that more insurgents will choose to surrender, thereby weakening terrorist groups and paving the way for long-term peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin. The commitment of the MNJTF to maintaining security and supporting those who surrender will be vital in achieving these goals and restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
