Iswap Fighter Surrenders, Hands Over Gun To Troops In Borno

A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to counter-insurgency and security expert, Zagazola Makama, the insurgent, identified as Bakaka Bukar, surrendered to troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari at about 6:00 p.m. on June 1.

Makama said Bukar handed over an AK-47 rifle to the troops and expressed his readiness to abandon insurgency and live peacefully within society.

He explained that preliminary investigations showed that the former fighter escaped from the Arinna Maimasalaci enclave, a known ISWAP stronghold reportedly controlled by a terrorist commander known as Abu Salim.

Makama noted that the surrender reflects the progress being made through ongoing counter-insurgency operations and the growing pressure being placed on terrorist camps across the North-East.

Following initial screening and documentation, military authorities moved Bukar to the Bulunkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri. There, he will take part in the Federal Government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme designed for former insurgents.

Speaking on the development, Makama said:

“The recent military offensives, combined with sustained air and ground operations, have continued to weaken terrorist networks and encourage defections among insurgent ranks.

“The security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain high morale and operational effectiveness in ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.”