A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, military sources have disclosed.
The sources said the insurgent, identified as Bakaka Bukar, surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari at about 6:00 p.m. on June 1.
According to the military, the surrendered fighter handed over one AK-47 rifle and expressed his willingness to renounce insurgency and embrace peaceful coexistence with society.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Bukar escaped from the Arinna Maimasalaci enclave, an ISWAP stronghold reportedly under the leadership of a terrorist commander identified as Abu Salim.
Military sources said the surrender was part of the ongoing successes being recorded through sustained counter-insurgency operations and increasing pressure on terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
Following initial screening and documentation, the former insurgent was transported by military authorities to the Bulunkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri for participation in the Federal Government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
Military sources say the recent military offensives, combined with sustained air and ground operations, have continued to weaken terrorist networks and encourage defections among insurgent ranks.
The military noted that the security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain high morale and operational effectiveness in ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
By: Zagazola Makama
