MNJTF Secures Surrender of Boko Haram Commanders in Lake Chad Region
By Lawrence Audu
In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Lake Chad region, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has announced the surrender of two commanders of the Boko Haram faction of BAKOURA BUDUMA.
In a statement, Chief of Military Public Information Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi said that on March 25, 2024, Ibrahim Muhammed and Auwal Muhammed, also known as WANKA, surrendered to the troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Nigeria.
This breakthrough, he said, is credited to the intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations targeting terrorist groups within Sector 3 MNJTF. The two individuals, who were active commanders operating in the Lake Chad Islands, made the decision to surrender amid mounting pressure from ongoing military actions.
During the preliminary investigation, Ibrahim and Auwal Muhammed disclosed their long-standing affiliation with the faction, revealing that they had operated under the BAKOURA BUDUMA-led faction for 15 years in KWALLARAM, located in the Lake Chad Islands. The recovery of various items from the surrendering terrorists underlines the significance of this event. These items include one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 rifle magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one magazine carrier, and one mobile phone belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed. Additionally, one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one mobile phone, one magazine carrier, two hand grenades, and one handheld radio belonging to Auwal Mohammed WANKA were recovered.
The surrendered fighters are currently in custody for further investigation as authorities work to gather more intelligence and information that could aid in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. This surrender marks a significant achievement in the fight against Boko Haram and highlights the continued commitment of the MNJTF to bring peace and stability to the Lake Chad region.
