The Multinational Joint Tasks Force (MNJTF), actively engaged in countering insurgency around the Lake Chad region, has announced a substantial development in its operations. Six high-ranking Boko Haram commanders and 26 fighters have surrendered to MNJTF troops over the course of the last few days, according to a statement released by MNJTF spokesperson Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi.
This significant wave of surrenders was a result of the MNJTF’s intensified combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, as stated in the official release. The insurgents, along with their family members and weapons, chose to yield to the forces. The surrender took place after a period of escalated operations by the Multinational Joint Task Force, coupled with a dwindling logistical supply within Boko Haram’s hideouts.
The spokesperson elaborated on the surrender, revealing, “Over the span of two days, from August 14 to 15, 2023, four key Boko Haram commanders, 13 main fighters, and a total of 45 family members laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Cross Kauwa and Baga of Kukawa LGA.”
The surrendered items encompassed seven AK-47 Rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), approximately 440 rounds of assorted calibre ammunition, and other tools associated with insurgency.
The MNJTF’s relentless operations resulted in further surrenders on August 14, 2023. On this day, two commanders, nine main fighters, and 21 family members yielded to the 19 Brigade and the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Cross Kauwa and Baga. They voluntarily relinquished six AK-47 rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), various ammunition, hand grenades, bandoliers, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
In a separate development, Abdullahi highlighted that last Tuesday two commanders, four fighters, and 24 family members also surrendered. The task force has consistently urged the remnants of the insurgents to embrace peace and surrender as the most secure pathway towards rehabilitation and reconciliation.
Additionally, the Borno Government announced the resumption of biometric data capture for repentant Boko Haram insurgents. The process was temporarily halted due to communication issues, which led to a protest among some participants in Maiduguri. The State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, confirmed that the processing of data has now resumed, with a total of 6,900 repentant insurgents processed under the “Borno Model” of the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration (DDDRRR) programme. Tar reassured the public that the situation was under control and normalcy had been restored at the venue of the biometric exercise.
