The Nigerian Army on Sunday alerted the public to watch out as some of the defeated Boko Haram insurgents might be heading towards Kano and Jigawa states.
As the military continues its Operation Lafiya Dole, bombarding Boko Haram hideouts in the Lake Chad region, a Boko Haram factional leader, Mamman Nur, is said to have been badly injured.
The military also said Mr. Nur’s wife lost her life in the battle while on another flank, 250 fighters from the Albarnawy camp were forced to surrender.
In a statement, Onyema Nwachukwu, deputy director public relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said, “Many of the insurgents who fled the onslaught are now taking advantage of the ‘Amnesty’ offered by the Nigerien government by surrendering to Nigerien Forces.
“Among the insurgents fleeing from the ongoing offensive are senior and junior commanders in the Albarnawy faction who are now attempting to melt into other communities in and around Kano, Geidam and Gashua axis unnoticed.
“One of such fleeing commanders is Bana Bafui. Members of the general public, particularly in Kano, Geidam, Gashua, Hadeja and the northern part of Jigawa are, therefore, enjoined to be vigilant and watch out for strange faces suddenly appearing in their communities and promptly report same to security agencies,” the military spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, he said about 700 insurgents have surrendered to troops in the general area of Monguno following some clearance operations.
Mr. Nwachukwu did not, however, disclose where the surrendered insurgents were being held pending the formal processes of deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
But the Army spokesperson maintained that the ongoing offensive against the insurgents will be doggedly sustained.
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He drew attention to the Federal Government’s policy of “Operation Safe Corridor” where insurgents, who surrender willingly, could be deradicalized and rehabilitated.
According to him, about 300 insurgents, who willingly surrendered are currently benefiting from this programme.
“We call on all Boko Haram insurgents to abandon the futile struggle and take advantage of the Safe Corridor program by surrendering willingly to troops in any location nearest to them.
“We guarantee their safety and incorporation into the programme for deradicalization and rehabilitation,” Mr. Nwachukwu said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Sunday, again said Boko Haram insurgents have been defeated even then the military is still engaging them in battle in many parts of the North-east.
The army chief, who was simply re-echoing what top officials of the Buhari administration, have been saying during the past year, also said the military is committed to the restoration of peace in the region.
Mr. Buratai was speaking at a special service to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at St Bartholomew’s Military Church, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Army Headquarters, David Ahmadu, Mr. Buaratai boasted the military has won the war against insurgency.
He said the military had recorded successes in the intensified offensive, routed and defeated the insurgents, adding that the military was committed to the restoration of peace to the region.
He decried the insurgents’ recruitment of teeming unemployed youth in their fight and advised parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children so as to keep them from being used to foment trouble and disrupt peace.
He said, “I want to assure you without mincing words that the Boko Haram terrorists have been defeated, all we are fighting for now is the peace in the northeast.
“Character begins from home; if the children or the youth do not listen to their parents then there is a problem. It is the responsibilities of parents to ensure that they disciplined their children.
“And the children too must have something to give back by being disciplined, educated, try to behave well wherever they go and without being deceived by anyone to do what is bad,” he advised.
Mr. Buratai said the sacrifices of the fallen heroes would be immortalised by ensuring unity, peace and stability of the country.
He charged the soldiers not to allow themselves to be used by self-seeking individuals who promote hate speech, but to remain dedicated and professional in the discharge of their duties.
