Four key Boko Haram commanders, 13 main fighters, and a total of 45 family members laid down their arms and surrendered to the troops of Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Cross Kauwa and Baga of Kukawa Local Government, Nigeria, between August 14 and 15.
Thier decision to surrender may not be unconnected to the escalated kinetic and non-kinetic operations by the MNJTF, coupled with a dwindling logistic supply in Boko Haram hideouts.
The MNJTF in a statement issued Sunday said: “Over two days, from 14 to 15 August 2023, four key Boko Haram commanders, 13 main fighters, and a total of 45 family members laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Cross Kauwa and Baga of Kukawa Local Government, Nigeria.”
It added that surrendered items include seven AK-47 Rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), nearly 440 rounds of assorted calibre ammunition and other essential tools of insurgency.
It added: “On the inaugural day of the recent mass surrender, 14 August 2023, two commanders, nine main fighters and 21 family members yielded to the relentless operations of troops stroked by the 19 Brigade in Cross Kauwa and 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga.
“They voluntarily surrendered six AK 47 rifles, one FN Rifle (SLR), 20 magazines (with two fully loaded), 12 rounds of 5.6-millimetre ammunition, two hand grenades, three Bandoliers, and 180 rounds of 7.62-millimetre ammunition among numerous items.
“The tide of peaceful surrenders continued onto the following day, 15 August 2023, when two other commanders, four fighters and 24 family members responded to the call for peace.”
It said items surrendered at the 403 Amphibious Brigade location in Baga included: two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 99 rounds of 7.62-millimetre ammunition, two transistor radios, a cash sum of 213,800 Naira, and a variety of personal items.