Two Boko Haram commanders surrender to MNJTF in Lake Chad

In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the Lake Chad region, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has revealed the surrender of two commanders of the Boko Haram faction of Bakoura Buduma.

On March 25, 2024, Ibrahim Muhammed and Auwal Muhammed, AKA ‘Wanka’ surrendered to the troops of Sector 3 MNJTF (Nigeria), a source familiar with the matter said.

It was not clear yet if the military would hand over the two surrendered terrorists to law enforcement agency for prosecution.

Chief of Military Public Information, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi said, “This breakthrough is attributed to the intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations targeting terrorist groups within Sector 3 MNJTF.

“The 2 individuals, active commanders operating in the Lake Chad Islands, made the decision to surrender amid mounting pressure from ongoing military actions.

“During the preliminary investigation, Ibrahim and Auwal Muhammed disclosed their long-standing affiliation with the faction, revealing that they had operated under the Bakoura Buduma-led faction for 15 years in Kwallaram, located in the Lake Chad Islands.

“The recovery of various items from the surrendering terrorists underscores the significance of this event. These items include One × AK 47 rifle, 3 x AK 47 rifle magazines, 90 x rounds of 7.62mm special, One x magazine carriers and One x Mobile phone belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed.

“While One x AK 47 riffle, 5 x magazines, 101 × rounds of 7.62millimeter special, One x Mobile Phone, One × magazine carrier, 2 × Hand Grenades and One × Hand Held Radio belonging to Auwal Mohammed WANKA. The surrendered fighters are currently in custody for further investigation.”