In a significant development in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency, two young individuals tasked with planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for the terrorist group have surrendered to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
According to Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chief Military Public Information Officer in Ndjamena, 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed (alias Garba) and 13-year-old Bana Modu turned themselves in on Sunday in the Monguno Government Area of Borno State.
During preliminary investigations, Mohammed and Modu revealed that they had been ordered by Boko Haram to plant IEDs along roads, in Doron Baga, and at the Fish Dam in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area. However, instead of carrying out their mission, the duo made the decision to abandon their task, escape with the explosives, and surrender to the MNJTF.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi stated that their decision was influenced by the MNJTF’s recently concluded Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation and personal engagement strategy aimed at showcasing the effectiveness of psychological operations in the fight against terrorism.
The surrendered items recovered from Mohammed and Modu include two IEDs, two mobile phones, and a sum of N53,000 cash.
This development underscores the MNJTF’s commitment to encouraging other Boko Haram members hiding in the Lake Chad islands to come out, surrender, and lay down their arms in a bid to achieve sustainable peace in the region.
Lt. Col. Abdullahi reiterated that the MNJTF remains dedicated to its mission of restoring peace and normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin area.
