The Nigerian Military has reported that a total of 47 individuals linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to the troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Sector 3, Nigeria.
Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Military Public Information Officer of N’djamena, Chad, confirmed this development in a statement released on Thursday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
The surrendered group comprised seven men, nine women, and 31 children who have now returned to Kwatan Turare and Doron Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno, Nigeria, after spending a number of years with the terrorist organizations.
During the initial investigation, it was revealed that those who surrendered had managed to escape from Sharama, situated in the Lake Chad Islands.
Mallam Muazu Adamu, a well-known fighter associated with the Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihad (JAS) faction, was identified as one of the individuals who surrendered.
Abdullahi noted in the statement that Adamu operated under Commander Alai Gana and surrendered alongside his wife. Other members of the group disclosed that they had been engaged in farming activities before deciding to escape.
The items discovered in their possession included garments, coverings, mats, cooking utensils, dishes, and a variety of other personal possessions.
The surrendered individuals are currently detained and undergoing additional scrutiny to uncover more information about their actions and associations.
Abdullahi emphasized that the MNJTF is dedicated to upholding tranquillity and safeguarding the security of the Lake Chad basin region.
“This development marks a step in the ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the region.
“The MNJTF continues to encourage those still involved in terrorist activities to surrender and embrace peace,” he said.