Over 210 Boko Haram fighters, families surrender to troops in Lake Chad

In a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, no fewer than 210 Boko Haram terrorists, including conscripted fighters and their families, have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Bol, Baga Sola, operating under Sector 2.

This was revealed in a statement by Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the Chief Military Public Information Officer, who noted that the mass surrender was the result of sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations by the joint forces in the Lake Chad axis.

According to Lt.-Col. Osoba, the surrendered insurgents admitted to taking part in numerous terrorist activities across strategic areas such as Bakatolerom, Barkalam, Litri, and Kaiga Ngbouboun.

READ ALSO: 19 killed in fierce battle as gunmen attack Chad’s presidential complex

In addition to the surrender, the troops recovered 10 assorted weapons of various calibres, further weakening the group’s combat capability.

The Commander Sector 2/Operation Lake Chad, Major General Moussa Haussa, commended the troops for their commitment in the fight against terrorism and urged them to maintain the momentum in their operations, emphasising that there is no future for the menace in the region.

He assured that those who surrendered will be treated humanely and will participate in the MNJTF’s deradicalisation programme.

The Governor of the Region of Lake Chad, Brigadier General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, welcomed the surrendered terrorists and stated that plans were underway to provide the former terrorists with skill acquisition programme to facilitate their reintegration into society.

According to the Governor, the initiative aims to provide surrendered terrorists with sustainable livelihoods and support their transition back to peaceful civilian life.

“This surrender represents a major blow to Boko Haram’s operations in the Lake Chad region and underscores the effectiveness of the MNJTF’s comprehensive approach, combining military pressure with efforts to encourage defections and facilitate reintegration,” the Governor said.

He reassured that the MNJTF remains committed to working with regional partners to bring lasting peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin.