Borno and tell Multinational Joint Task Force troops that the conflict has

‘exhausted’ them

Seven “notorious terrorists” have surrendered to troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The fighters – members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram – voluntarily surrendered to troops at Walada village in Damasak in the Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State after a sustained offensive operation.

Significant breakthrough

Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF, said the surrender was “a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad region”.

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 19, Osoba said the troops, operating under Sector 3 Monguno, had “successfully facilitated the surrender of seven notorious Boko Haram terrorists”.

He identified the fighters as:

• Mallam Baba Ibrahim, 19
• Malam Bamai Ali, 20
• Mallam Jundu Ali, 19
• Mallam Abba Ali, 25
• Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, 20
• Tijjani Ali, 20
• Mallam Ali Mommudu, 25

Osoba said the insurgents confessed to participating in “multiple terrorist activities across northern Borno”. They told the troops that they were “exhausted” by the ongoing conflict but had initially feared being killed if they surrendered.

Arms cache and equipment seized

Troops seized a substantial arms cache and equipment, including:

• Two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes
• Four RPG bombs
• An AK-47 rifle
• An HK 21 German machine gun
• Eight empty magazines
• Two horses
• 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
• 715 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
• 51 NATO rounds
• 12 mobile phones
• Five small solar panels
• Two bandoliers
• Four knives

Osoba said the insurgents were providing valuable intelligence to the MNJTF.

Residents react

Gambo Muhammad, a displaced woman originally from the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, said she was excited when she heard about the surrender.

“I always feel excited when I hear about insurgents surrendering to troops. It gives me hope that one day the insurgency will be over.”

She said she believed that the insurgency would never end “by the use of force only”.

“The importance of dialogue cannot be overemphasized.”

Gambo fled from Kukawa 10 years ago because of repeated deadly attacks by insurgents.

“When I was displaced, I never thought I would stay away from my hometown for more than two months. I believed the military would liberate us and facilitate our return, but here I am still in Maiduguri [the capital of Borno State].

“When Boko Haram fighters first began surrendering to the military, I thought the insurgency was almost over. I heard that more than 100,000 fighters and their families had surrendered. I was so excited because I thought I would soon be able to return to my hometown.

“But honestly speaking, now I am not so sure. It seems as if we are not that close to the end of the insurgency. The fighting continues and Boko Haram is still attacking residents.”

Abdu Usman, 34, said: “For the past three years we have seen a mass exit of Boko Haram fighters. I do not really know why the insurgency still lingers on.”

Challenges of reintegration

“It is good news when fighters lay down their arms, but I think the authorities need to ensure that those who surrender are treated well so that they are not tempted to return to the bush and take up arms again. Managing surrendered insurgents has been an issue from the beginning.”

Usman said authorities needed to address the challenges hindering the successful reintegration of surrendered insurgents.

“Currently, there are so many challenges that hinder the process. Authorities need to pay more attention and address these challenges to ensure smooth reintegration. If they do not, there is always the chance that surrendered insurgents will go back to their old ways.

“Exiting Boko Haram is very important, but proper management of those who exit is even more important. It is crucial.”

By AYSHA MUSTAPHA KOLOMI