19-yr-old Boko Haram/ISWAP Commander surrenders, as Nigerian gallant troops bombard terrorists’ hideouts

As the military inches closer to the final defeat of insurgency in the North East region, more Boko Haram/ISWAP elements have been arrested, neutralized and their equipment captured or destroyed just as a number of them surrendered amidst sustained artillery bombardments and offensive onslaught against their enclaves/hideouts by the gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

In a statement issued by the Defence Headquaters on Tuesday signed by Major General John Enenche and monitored on its official twitter handle, the Armed Forces said: “On 29 May 2020, another Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province fighter by name, Muhammadu Abubakar AKA Babagana surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion deployed at Charlie Six Check Point in Mongonu, Borno State.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the 19 -year-old repentant Boko Haram fighter joined the group about a year ago at Shaharam and participated in the attack on Tumbun Shaje. Regretting his past actions, Babagana called on his erstwhile colleagues who are currently in a state of despair and confusion in the forests to surrender to the troops of the Nigerian Army.

“It would be recalled that on 24 May 2020 another Boko Haram fighter Malam Adamu Yahaya AKA Saad Karami surrendered to troops of 242 Battalion in Mongonu. In a related development on the same day, another Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province fighter, 35 year old Muhammadu Kabudumi AKA Amir Sabat also surrendered to the troops 242 Battalion in Monguno Borno State.

“Kabudumi confessed to joining the Boko Haram sect in 2015 but denied participating in any of the sects’ operations. He however revealed that he has done duties at Boko Haram criminals camps at Abadam, Malam Fatori and Duguri under the leadership of Muhammadu Lawan, a notorious Boko Haram Commander.

“On 28 May 2020, troops of Army Super Camp 11 Gamboru deployed in Ngala LGA of Borno State conducted long range clearance operations to Gulwa, Diime, Musiri, Wuri Bari, Mada, Sangaya, Jarawa, Mutu, Isari and Mudu Villages of the same LGA. At Isari Village, troops uncovered a Boko Haram criminals’ hideout with well constructed battle trenches.

“The troops captured 3 of the bandits and recovered one AK 47 Rifle loaded with a magazine containing 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 swords, one cutlass, one axe, a set of arrows and charms.

“Also, on 27 May 2020, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI deployed at Forward Operation Base Marafa raided an abandoned makeshift hut in Karama village and recovered one AK 47 Rifle and 25 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. However, no arrest was made as the criminals are suspected to be deceptively using the location as armoury.

“In another development, on 27 May 2020, troops of 17 Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Nigeria Police stormed a bandits’ hideout in Dumburun Forest and rescued 3 abducted victims. During the operation the gallant troops neutralized one bandit and recovered one FN Rifle mounted with magazine while others fled. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

“On the same day, following intense pressure mounted on bandits by the resilient troops of Operation KATSINA, some repentant bandits pleaded to surrender their weapons as well as jettison their criminal acts. Accordingly, 5 AK 47 Rifles, one Sniper Rifle, one FN Rifle, one PKT Machine Gun, one spare PKT Machine Gun barrel, one Pistol and one block engine of PKT Machine Gun were surrendered by the bandits.

“Other surrendered items include 5 AK 47 Rifle magazines, 2 FN Rifle magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted also surrendered to troops of Operation KATSINA.

“Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, congratulates the gallant troops for their resilience, courage and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland against the terrorists. The High Command of the Armed Forces also encourages the troops to continue to be steadfast and focussed as they sustain their onslaught against the enemies of our nation,” the statement said.