Not less than 72 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have voluntarily handed in their weapons and surrendered to the Nigerian Army in the Dikwa community of Borno State.
The repentant insurgents were received by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai after they voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday.
According to Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst, Zagazola Makama, the terrorists surrendered after facing hunger and unending bombardments of their hideouts by the Nigerian military.
They are said to have claimed to be tired of their current situation, adding that they have no choice but to escape from their group and surrender to the army as a mark of repentance.
A military officer told the security expert that the surrendered terrorists would be carefully profiled before undergoing rehabilitation processes.
He said: “Some of them claimed that they are farmers that were trapped in the enclaves of the terrorists and were happy that they made it out.”
The latest development comes after over 35,000 members of the dreaded groups handed themselves in to the government in Borno State some days ago.
The development was announced on Monday by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum who noted that some of the commanders of the terrorists are part of those who surrendered.
He said in a statement by his Senior Adviser on Communications and Strategy, Mallam Isa Gusau which contained the Governor’s Easter message to the people of the state that the development is an answer to prayers.
He commended the security forces, residents of Borno State and the government at all levels for the sacrifices and commitment to making the feat achievable which he said has moved the state closer to ending the insurgency.
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