In a significant development in the fight against insurgency, two wanted and notorious commanders of the Bakoura Buduma faction of Boko Haram have surrendered themselves to troops of the multinational joint task force (MNJTF).
According to Lt. Col Abdulkahi Abubakar, the spokesperson for MNJTF, Ibrahim Muhammed and Auwal Muhammed, also known as ‘Wanka’, turned themselves in to troops of Sector 3 MNJTF in Nigeria on March 25, 2024.
The surrender of these high-ranking individuals is attributed to the intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations targeting terrorist groups within Sector 3 MNJTF. The commanders made the decision to surrender due to mounting pressure from ongoing military actions.
During the preliminary investigation, Ibrahim and Auwal Muhammed revealed their long-standing affiliation with the faction, disclosing that they had operated under the Bakoura Buduma-led faction for 15 years in Kwallaram, located in the Lake Chad Islands.
Various items were recovered from the surrendered terrorists, underscoring the significance of their surrender. These items include one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 rifle magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one magazine carrier, and one mobile phone belonging to Ibrahim Mohammed. Additionally, one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one mobile phone, one magazine carrier, two hand grenades, and one handheld radio belonging to Auwal Mohammed Wanka were seized.
The surrendered fighters are currently in custody for further investigation as authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the terrorist network operating in the region.
