The Nigerian Army has exposed confusion and apprehension within the camp of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists following the recent massive surrender of Boko Haram fighters. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, stressed the diminished strength of the terrorists, which has led them to desperately resort to cheap propangada to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East. The statement exposed that the terrorists are overwhelmed with palpable fear and are making desperate efforts to halt the ongoing surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis, which had drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency. Mr Nwachukwu said their confusion was further worsened by the Aug. 14 surrender of the terrorists in droves, with their families, to lay down their arms and surrender at Mafa Local Government Area in Borno state.
He said that it was as a result of this that the other terrorist who refused to surrender resorted to cheap propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East.
This is coming just as another 186 members of the ISWAP and Boko Haram together with their wives and other family members surrendered to Nigerian troops.
“A total of 186 Boko Haram Terrorists members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include, several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol and 8 locally fabricated daggers,” the statement said.
“Similarly, on 15 August, 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of 4 adult males, 11 adult females and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to own troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament, which has posed serious negative impact on its prowess.”
The Nigerian Military is more resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes in the country.