Another notorious Boko Haram terrorist, known as Bochu Abacha, has surrendered to the troops of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
MNJTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Abacha surrenders
According to Lt. Col. Osoba, Bochu surrendered to the MNJTF troops stationed at the Lake Chad region in Kukawa Local Government of Borno State.
Osoba further noted that the terrorist claimed to have escaped from a Boko Haram camp with his weapon.
He reported that several arms and ammunitions were recovered from the fleeing terrorist.
Osoba said: “Bochu, a key figure in several terrorists’ operations, admitted to be a notorious Boko Haram terrorist who has participated in several Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists operations along the Mongunu – Baga axis.
“He confessed to having surrendered due to the intense operation of the MNJTF and lack of interest.
“He disclosed to have escaped from a Boko Haram camp in the Mussaram with his weapon.
“Items recovered from Bochu include one AK 47 Rifle and a magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one mobile phone, AIRTEL Sim card and the sum of thirty-two thousand five hundred Naira (N32,500).
“He is presently providing valuable intelligence to the authority.”
Troops ambush Boko Haram terrorists
In another development, Osoba disclosed how the troops successfully ambushed Boko Haram terrorists conveying large logistics supply in 3 Toyota vehicles.
According to him, the successful ambush followed an intelligence report on the activities of terrorists, like Bochu .
As a result, one terrorist was killed while others fled, abandoning a large logistics supply.
He added that several arms and ammunitions were also reportedly recovered from the dead and fleeing terrorist.
The recovered items include vehicles loaded with food stuffs, and a little money.
Osoba reported: ““In a separate operation troops deployed in Gubio in conjunction with intelligence operatives successfully ambushed Boko Haram Terrorists conveying large logistics supply in 3 Toyota vehicles under the cover of darkness.
“The troops who moved into an ambush position for the terrorists following an intelligence report on the terrorists crossing point, engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
“One terrorist was killed while others fled into nearby forest due to superior fire power of troops abandoning a large logistics supply .
“Items recovered include 3 Toyota vehicles loaded with assorted food stuffs, other sundry items and the sum of Two Thousand Naira(N2,000)”.
Yet in another development, troops stormed a private clinic following intel supplied by former terrorists like Bochu.
The troops stormed the clinic in Kaduna and nabbed the terrorists with healing bullet wounds.
They arrested the two terrorists receiving medical treatment after fleeing from troops’ offensive action in an undisclosed location.
About Boko Haram
Boko Haram is a militant Islamist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, but also operating in Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Key Facts:
1. Boko Haram was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf.
2. Its initial goal was to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria.
3. Name means “Western education is forbidden” in Hausa.
4. Its leader, Abubakar Shekau was killed in 2021 and was succeeded by Bakura Sahalaba.
Tactics and Attacks:
1. Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and mass shootings
2. Targeted schools, churches, mosques, markets, and government buildings
3. Notorious attacks:
– 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping (276 abducted)
– 2015 Baga massacre (2,000+ killed)
– 2018 Dapchi schoolgirls kidnapping (110 abducted)
Impact:
1. Displaced over 2 million people
2. Killed over 30,000 people
3. Destroyed infrastructure, economy, and social fabric
4. Humanitarian crisis: food insecurity, health issues, and psychological trauma
International Response:
1. Nigerian military operations
2. Regional cooperation (Multinational Joint Task Force)
3. International support (US, UK, France, and UN)
4. Humanitarian aid and NGOs (e.g., Red Cross, UNICEF)
Challenges:
1. Corruption and inadequate governance
2. Poverty and socioeconomic inequality
3. Ethnic and religious tensions
4. Spillover effects into neighboring countries
Recent Developments:
1. Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) affiliation
2. Increased attacks on military and civilian targets
3. Humanitarian crises and displacement
4. Efforts to negotiate with factions and release abducted persons
Stay informed on Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) for more information on Boko Haram’s history, ideology, or international responses.