Over 200 Boko Haram fighters, families surrender to multinational joint task force in Lake Chad region

In a major breakthrough for regional security forces, no fewer than 210 Boko Haram terrorists, including conscripted fighters and their families, have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 2 in Bol, Baga Sola, around the Lake Chad Basin.

This was revealed in a statement by the MNJTF’s Chief Military Public Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, who confirmed that the surrendered individuals had confessed to participating in various acts of terrorism across the Bakatolerom, Barkalam, Litri, and Kaiga Ngbouboun axis.

According to Osoba, the mass surrender is the result of intensified kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (peacebuilding and psychological) operations targeting terrorist strongholds in the region. He further disclosed that 10 assorted weapons of different calibres were recovered from the repentant insurgents.

The military also recovered 10 assorted weapons of various calibres from the terrorists.

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.