ASHENEWS reports that the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Monguno, Borno state has announced the surrender of two terrorists within its Area of Operations.
The terrorists identified as 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed, known as Garba, and 13-year-old Bana Modu, both identified as improvised explosive device (IED) experts surrendered to the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF) in Borno state.
“Their surrender on April 21, 2024, marks a noteworthy milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Boko Haram’s operations in the region.
“Following their surrender, Mohammed and Modu disclosed during a preliminary investigation that they had been instructed to plant IEDs along specific roads in Baga, Kukawa Local Government of Borno State, Nigeria. However, instead of carrying out their orders, they chose to abandon their mission, escape with the IEDs, and turn themselves in to the MNJTF. “
The MNJTF noted that their decision was influenced by the recent success of Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation and the sector’s personalized engagement strategy with key sources, demonstrating the effectiveness of psychological operations in combating terrorism.
A statement by the Chief of Military Public Information Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi said the MNJTF remains dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and facilitating the return of normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin.
He said that on interrogation, the suspects said that they were ordered by their Boko Haram commanders to plant IEDs on the roads leading to Doron Baga and a fish farm in Baga, both in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.
“Upon their surrender, the MNJTF recovered two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of fifty-three thousand Naira (N53,000.00) from Mohammed and Modu. This seizure highlights the MNJTF’s dedication to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad Islands to follow suit, surrender, and renounce violence to pave the way for lasting peace in the region.”
“Their decision was influenced by the MNJTF’s recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation, and the sector’s personal engagement strategy with relevant sources, showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the MNJTF was committed to encouraging other terrorists in Lake Chad to come out, surrender and lay down their arms.
The official in Borno state pledged that troops would leave no stone unturned to rid the region of terrorists and ensure sustainable peace.
By Babagana Wakil, Maiduguri
