A senior Boko Haram figure, Awana Alhaji Mele Keremi, has reportedly surrendered to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops in the insurgency-prone Cross Kauwa area, located in the Lake Chad region.
Keremi, known as a close associate of a notorious Boko Haram commander, voluntarily turned himself in to military authorities.
The Chief Military Information Officer of HQ MNJTF N’Djamena, Chad, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the surrender in a statement released on Monday.
During his confessions, Keremi admitted to participating in several terrorist operations, particularly in the conflict-ridden Monguno-Baga axis, where Boko Haram has engaged in fierce battles with Nigerian military forces.
“In a related development, MNJTF troops also welcomed Babagoni Modu and a family of eight who managed to escape from a Boko Haram camp in Marte.
Modu, a former member of the terrorist group, cited his disillusionment with their violent activities as the reason for his escape,” Osoba added.
The family, consisting of two women, four men, and two children, shared their harrowing experiences under Boko Haram’s control before making their daring escape.
The military issued placards to the surrendered individuals, encouraging other terrorists in the region to surrender as well.
Simultaneously, MNJTF troops successfully detected and safely detonated multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Cross Kauwa, preventing potential harm to civilians and infrastructure.
These recent successes highlight the vigilance and effectiveness of the MNJTF troops in countering threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
“These recent developments underscore the commitment of the MNJTF to combat terrorism and safeguard the Lake Chad region,” Osoba emphasised.
The surrender of a high-ranking Boko Haram commander and the successful disposal of explosive devices mark significant strides in the ongoing campaign against terrorism in the area.
