Two teenagers, known for their expertise in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for the terrorist group Boko Haram, have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Monguno, Borno State.
A press statement from Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the MNJTF spokesperson, identified the teenagers as 19-year-old Abubakar Mohammed, also known as Garba, and 13-year-old Bana Modu.
The statement explained that Mohammed and Modu were en route to plant an IED along the Baga road in Kukawa Local Government Area when they decided to abandon their mission and turn themselves into Sector 3 of the MNJTF.
Rather than carrying out their intended task, the teenagers chose to relinquish their mission, flee with the IEDs, and surrender to the MNJTF, as disclosed by Lt. Col. Abubakar.
The MNJTF spokesperson stated that their decision to surrender was influenced by the recent completion of Operation NASHRUL SALAM, a non-kinetic operation aimed at winning the hearts and minds of individuals in the region.
Additionally, effective psychological operations by relevant sources played a significant role in their surrender.
Furthermore, Lt. Col. Abubakar highlighted that the successful surrender underscored the MNJTF’s dedication to encouraging other terrorists hiding in the Lake Chad Islands to come forward, surrender, and lay down their arms.
Lt. Col. Abubakar reiterated the MNJTF’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and normalcy to the Lake Chad Basin.
