Boko Haram members who surrendered

With less than a week, since Nigeria’s military launched Operation Crackdown against Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria’s northeast, more and more members of the insurgency group are abandoning it and surrendering to Nigerian forces.

Colonel Sani Usman, the army spokesman in a statement today said troops received 16 of such people from Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in the Dure district.

There were 16 male adults in all. Seven of them confessed to be Boko Haram terrorist members.

“However, on proper interrogation, the suspects confirmed to be Boko Haram terrorists with some of them having specialized trade and status.

“Three of them were Ameers (leaders) in the Boko Haram terrorist group’s hierarchy; for instance, Hamidu Buba was found to be the Ameer  (leader) of tailors, while Musa Buba  is Ameer of mechanics and Ali Idrissa, an Ameer of  carpenters.

“The others confessed to be “Rijan” (fighters)  adding that they have participated in various Boko Haram attacks on so many villages and towns. They further stated that the ongoing crackdown operation is really taking its toll on them as they can barely survive.

“As  a matter of fact, they confessed that they were all fed up with the situation which has become worse as a result of Operation CRACKDOWN.

“They also stated that the Boko Haram terrorists have run out of food and they now survive on roots and unripe mangoes. They also said  two of their members sent for food were killed at Frigi crossing point some days earlier by troops.”