By Augustine Ehikioya
Marking significant victory against terrorism, 210 Boko Haram terrorists, including conscripted fighters and their families, have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 2 in Bol, Baga Sola, Chad Republic.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Public Information Officer, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), said that the mass surrender followed intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the region.
The surrendered terrorists, it said, confessed to have participated in various terrorist acts along the Bakatolerom, Barkalam, Litri, and Kaiga Ngbouboun axis of Lake Chad.
The statement added “Ten assorted weapons of various calibres were recovered from the terrorists.
“The Commander Sector 2/Operation Lake Chad, Major General Moussa Haussa, commended the troops for the commitment in the fight against terrorists and urged them to maintain the momentum in their operations, emphasizing that there is no future for terrorism in the region.”
He assured that those who surrendered will be treated humanely and will participate in the MNJTF’s deradicalization programme.
The Governor of the Region of Lake Chad, Brigadier General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, welcomed the surrendered terrorists and said that plans are underway to provide the former terrorists with skill acquisition programme to facilitate their reintegration into society.
This initiative, it said, aims to provide them with sustainable livelihoods and support their transition back to peaceful civilian life.
“This surrender represents a major blow to Boko Haram’s operations in the Lake Chad region and underscores the effectiveness of the MNJTF’s comprehensive approach, combining military pressure with efforts to encourage defections and facilitate reintegration.
“The MNJTF remains committed to working with regional partners to bring lasting peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin.” it stated.
Africa, MNJTF, News, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, Baga Sola, Maj Gen Moussa Haussa, Brig Gen Saleh Haggar Tidjani, Lake Chad