A Boko Haram fighter has surrendered to troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgent, who operated under the notorious Boko Haram Commander Ali Ngulde in the Mandara Mountains, surrendered at about 1130 hours on March 1 to troops conducting piqueting duties along the Gwoza-Limankara Road.
He handed over one AK-47 rifle and a magazine containing seven rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The surrendered fighter cited intensified military operations, leadership oppression, injustice within the ranks, and a looming food crisis due to supply route blockages as reasons for his defection.
He further disclosed that many fighters trapped in the Mandara Mountains are willing to surrender but fear execution by their commanders.
He said “Many of our people wanted to lay down their arms but they fear that they will be killed by both our leaders and the Nigerian Military. I never thought that it was easy to lay down my gun and come out. I am sure when they see this they will start to run out from the bushes to surrender,”he said.
He urged remaining insurgents to lay down their arms, by renouncing terrorism.
The surrendered terrorist is currently in military custody for profiling and further necessary actions.