Nigerian Army says a large number of terrorists within the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered with their arms and ammunition.
Gatekeepers News reports that this occured following the recent massive surrender of Boko Haram fighters.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, citing the depleting strength of its members, which has drastically dwindled the overall fighting efficiency of the terrorists.
Nwachukwu added that due to the situation, the terrorist group had resorted to using futile propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing to portray the group as still being a potent force in the North East.
Part of the statement read, “The current trend of apprehension in their camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorists group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to own troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August, 2021.
“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.
“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 statement further noted 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.”
Nwachukwu assured that the Nigerian Military is more resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes across the country.
