FILE IMAGE

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) reported a significant surrender of 263 Boko Haram terrorists and their families in Sector 1, Cameroon, between July 10 and 17, 2024. This development is part of the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity 2, aimed at combating insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief Military Public Information Officer at HQ MNJTF in N’djamena, Chad, the wave of surrenders began on July 11, when five terrorists surrendered to MNJTF troops at Wulgo, along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Preliminary reports indicate that these individuals originated from Tumbuma and Kutumgulla in Marte Local Government Area, Nigeria.

The statement detailed the timeline of surrenders:

– On July 11, Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old, escaped from the Jibilaram hideout and surrendered. That day, 19 terrorists surrendered in Madaya, Extreme North Cameroon, and 11 more surrendered in Wulgo from the Tumbuma hideout in two waves.

– On July 12, 64 individuals surrendered in Bonderi, Cameroon, including six adult males, 20 women, and 38 children. The following day, 27 terrorists surrendered.

– The trend continued on July 15, with 102 individuals surrendering in Bonderi, including 20 adult men, 40 women, and 42 children. Additionally, five individuals surrendered in Wulgo, with two coming from the Tumbuma hideout in southern Lake Chad. On July 16, two more terrorists surrendered. On July 17, 48 terrorists and their families surrendered, comprising 10 adult males, 15 females, and 23 children.

Preliminary investigations revealed that all the surrendered individuals are Nigerian nationals. They have been handed over to the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for further action. The MNJTF continues its efforts to restore stability and security in the region, aiming to dismantle Boko Haram’s operational capabilities.