The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Sector 3, announced today that two individuals, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu, who were planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for Boko Haram, have surrendered.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Military Public Information Officer in Ndjamena, the surrender took place on Sunday in Monguno Government Area of Borno State.
The decision to surrender was influenced by the recent success of Operation NASHRUL SALAM, which utilized non-kinetic tactics, notably effective psychological operations, in the fight against terrorism. Items recovered from them included two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two mobile phones, and ₦53,000.
“This represents a notable triumph in the ongoing endeavor to dismantle Boko Haram operations in the region,” said Col. Abdullahi.
“During a preliminary investigation, Mohammed and Modu revealed they had been ordered to plant IEDs along roads, Doron Baga, and Fish Dam in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Instead of carrying out their mission, they decided to abandon their task, escape with the IEDs, and surrender to the MNJTF.
“Their decision was influenced by the MNJTF’s recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation, and the sector’s personal engagement strategy with relevant sources, showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism.
“Items recovered from them include two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of ₦53,000 only from Mohammed and Modu.
“This development underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad islands to come out, surrender, and lay down their arms, in a bid to achieve sustainable peace in the region,” emphasized Col. Abdullahi.
He reiterated that the MNJTF remained steadfast in its mission to restore peace and normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin.