Maina Maina :
Not less than 68 Boko
Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the
last three weeks in Maiduguri.
Military authorities
said this was as a result of continued bombardment of the terrorists base
inside and around the Sambisa forest.
A statement on Thursday,
from Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Theatre
Command said, troops in the last few weeks have intensified onslaught against
Boko Haram terrorists through coordinated air and artillery bombardments of BHT
enclaves across the Theatre.
“These bombardments are
backed by long range patrols and ambushes targeted at preventing fleeing Boko
Haram Terrorists from escaping and also denying them access to logistics
supply.
“The sustained
operations have further pushed the terrorist group to the brink of defeat with
many of its foot soldiers surrendering to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. So
far, a total of 68 insurgents have denounced terrorists activities within the
last 3 weeks.
“These surrendered terrorists
also reported that many of the enclaves have become untenable and life has
become unbearable for the Boko Haram Terrorists owing to the blockade emplaced
by troops and the sustained bombardments.
“Those who have
surrendered and turned a new leaf are currently undergoing rehabilitation and
de-radicalization programmes organized by the Federal Government through
Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.
“Undoubtedly, the
ongoing operations by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are yielding results and
have put enormous pressure on the Boko Haram Terrorists.
“Evidently, this has
contributed to the recent plea by one of the factional leaders of the group
calling for international support.
“The Theatre Command
therefore urges all Boko Haram insurgents to have a rethink and discard the
hypocritical ideologies espoused by their leaders. They can surrender to any
military location nearest to them.
“The Theatre Command
assures them of their safety and well-being if they surrender willingly,” the
statement said.