Crime
PHOTOS: Boko Haram/ISWAP overrun Borno community
Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters wreaked havoc on a community in Borno state on Monday.
Reports say that the assailants, invaded Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area, Borno.
The town which is situated about 350km from Maiduguri, the state capital, was overrun by the terrorists who came in large numbers, shooting sporadically and destroying everything in their path.
Witnesses say that the gunmen overpowered the military unit stationed at the community, leaving civilians vulnerable.
Residents and aid workers scampered for safety into the forest whiler some fled to neighbouring towns in Cameroon.
It was gathered that the gunmen carted away three Hilux trucks after setting other vehicles and properties ablaze.
The Nigerian Air force (NAF) said it provided air support for reinforcement who repelled the ravaging terrorists.
The number of casualties was unclear at the time of filing this report.
Mass surrender of repentant terrorists
It can be recalled that Chronicle NG reported the mass surrender of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Borno state, among which was the chief bomb-maker of the Islamic sect.
Over 219 ex-militants surrendered to the Nigerian Army on 14 August 2021.
A Chibok girl who was forcefully married to one of the fighters was among those who surrendered.
A burnt Hilux truck
According to the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu,
“The current trend of apprehension in their (terrorists’) camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorist group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to own troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August 2021,” he stated.
“A total of 186 Boko Haram terrorist members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females, and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol, and eight locally fabricated daggers.
“Similarly, on 15 August 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of four adult males, 11 adult females, and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua, and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.”
Nwachukwu explained that the feat followed the recent massive surrendering of Boko Haram terrorists in Bama Operational area on August 2 and 4.
Since then, he stated that there has been confusion and severe apprehension in the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, especially among its top-ranking commanders over the depleting strength of its members which he said has drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency.
“It is against the backdrop that the terrorist group opted for the use of propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East,” the army spokesman said.
According to him, ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament which has posed a serious negative impact on its prowess.
Nwachukwu insisted that the terrorists were overwhelmed with palpable fear and were making desperate efforts to halt the surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis.
He said the military remained resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes in the country.
