Three Boko Haram community leaders on Friday surrendered to Nigerian troops along with four other terrorists, the Nigerian Army announced today.

“Quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists have continued to surrender. Yesterday, out of 16 male adults that came along with their families to troop’s from Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in the Dure district, 7 of them confessed to be Boko Haram terrorist members,” Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement.

According to him, “On proper interrogation, the suspects confirmed to be Boko Haram terrorists with some of them having specialised 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 ran out of food and they now survive on roots and unripe mangoes. They also said 2 of their members sent for food were killed at Frigi crossing point some days earlier by troops, (you may recall that we reported the military’s ambush at the crossing point).”

Col. Usman gave a detailed account of counter-terrorism operations that took place since yesterday. He said: “The troops of 122 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with some elements of 26 Task Force Brigade on receipt of information from some escapees, embarked a clearance patrol to Fadagwe Muni, along Yamtake-Gwoza road. On sighting the troops, the suspected Boko Haram terrorists fled and left behind an abducted 16 year old female cripple. The terrorists also abandoned large stock of grains stored in underground pit. Other items recovered include grinding machine, 2 tricycles and 1 photographs printer. The troops nevertheless pursued the fleeing insurgents and killed some of them.

“Similarly, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion also conducted clearance operation at Kadera Dam and Anguwar Fulani, while troops of 192 Battalion that conducted similar operation to Guduf, Nagadio, Duma and Kusarha. The Boko Haram terrorists ran to the top of the mountains and they were engaged heavy mortar fire.

“The 7 Division and its supporting elements has also intensified the clearance and rescue operations deep inside Sambisa forest. On Friday, they had encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Alafa in which they cleared all the terrorists hibernating there.

“The troops in various axis have continued to exploit further till they accomplish the mission of Operation CRACKDOWN.

“In a related development, vigilant 7 Division Garrison, have arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram terrorists fuel suppliers with 2 Golf Volkswagen vehicles with registration numbers Borno MAG-112XA and Borno AA739-KBG. They were arrested at NNPC Mega Filling Station, along Damboa Road, Maiduguri at 2.00pm today, Friday, 5th May 2016.

“The two suspected Boko Haram terrorists modified the booth of their cars with constructed tanks to take in more fuel for their accomplices hiding in the forests. One of the reconstructed tanks contained150 litres of petrol, while the other was empty.

“Both suspects have been handed over to the Joint Intelligent Centre for further interrogation.”

The Army Spokesman disclosed that troops of 28 Task Force Brigade have meanwhile successfully cleared enclaves of Boko Haram terrorists along Galtha Baba, Galtha Musa, Bulakurma, Shatimari, Chukruk, Bulangaje, and Disa villages.

According to him, “During the operation, 1 Boko Haram terrorist was captured alive and 3 motorcycles, bags of grains, their flags and uniforms were recovered. Other items include suicide bomber’s hijab, mobile phone and 1 Dane gun, as well as foodstuffs and cooking utensils.

The troops also rescued 15 persons that were held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area.

“Unfortunately, two armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) entered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). However, the formation did not sustain any human casualty and the damage to the AFVs was minimal.

“The captured terrorist is being interrogated and would soon be taken to the relevant agencies for prosecution.

“Troops of 26 and 223, Battalions, Army Headquarters Strike Group and Armed Forces Special Forces have continued offensive operations in furtherance of Operation CRACKDOWN. The troops have cleared remnants of Boko Haram in Izza and Njima general area. Although they did not encounter any Boko Haram terrorists, there were noticeable fresh footprints, motorcycle and bicycle tyre marks in the seemingly abandoned places.

“However, the troops came across and recovered 8 abandoned vehicles belonging to Boko Haram terrorists. The advancing troops also cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts along the way including their camps at Bula Buba and its environs where they recovered 1 Hilux, 1 Canter truck, 15 AK-47 rifle magazines, a 60mm High Explosive Bomb, 200 G3 rifle magazines, 3 Browning Machine Gun tripod stands and a 60mm mortar bipod stand. Other recoveries include several metal links of 7.62mm (NATO) and 12.mm ammunitions.

“In their area of operations, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion today, intercepted 35 civilians comprising 6 men, 7 women, 7 males minors and 15 minor females who claimed to be coming from Balaganje village.

“However, preliminary investigation reveals that they had been living in Balaganje as captives by Boko Haram terrorists who threatened to kill them if they attempt to escape. They are being investigated further.”

•Nigerian Army Photo shows the three local Boko Haram leaders who surrendered along with four others . . . yesterday in Borno State.

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