135 Boko Haram Members Surrendered

THE military, on Wednesday, confirmed the death of one Mohammed Bashir, who had been acting and posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the character known as leader of the Boko Haram sect.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said since Shekau had become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remained resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumed that designation or title, as well as all terrorists “that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria.”

He added that anybody who assumed that title of Shekau remained a target, adding that “if another Shekau comes up tomorrow, he becomes a target; we must thank Nigerians for the interest they have shown, which has boosted the morale of the troops.”

According to him, on restoring normalcy after the encounter with the sect members, inhabitants of the community, who had been victims of activities of the terrorists, corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed, alias Abubakar Shekau, also known as Abacha Abdullahi Geidam, Damasack, among others.

He also said a total of 135 terrorists, as of Wednesday, had surrendered to Nigerian troops, along with their equipment, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Disclosing the details of those in custody, the army chief said a group of 88 people submitted themselves at Mairiga/Bun-yadi, while another group of 45 terrorists were taken in around Mubi-Michika.

He said they were all being interrogated and processed, in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.

The defence spokesman disclosed that Nigerian troops had been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the North-East.

Olukolade said the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents was attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in the country by the miliary.

While noting that the Defence Headquarters applauded the gallantry of the Nigerian troops, who had remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting the campaign against terror, Olukolade noted that the keen interest exhibited by Nigeria’s neighbours and allies was commendable.

The army director said it was noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between September 12 and 17 to violate the security and enter Konduga, adding that air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.

He called for more vigilance and cooperation with the security forces by the people, to ensure we are not taken unawares by terrorist elements who might want to carry out isolated attacks in any part of the country.

Olukolade stressed that no foreign troops entered Nigeria to assist in any battle.

On the purposed claims that the Cameroon’s army killed Shekau, the defence spokesman denied such, saying that Konduga was far from the Cameroon border and wondered how they achieved the feat.

He said no part of the country had been conceded to terrorists, as troops were all over Bama and Gwoza, conducting their operations.

On the rescue of the over 200 chibok girls, Olukolade said effort to rescue the girls was ongoing, adding that soon, Nigerians would hear the good news.

He also disclosed that new equipment had started arriving and would continue until the terrorists were totally wiped out in the country.

Meanwhile, the Information Minister, Labaran Maku, on Wednesday, said it was not important to it whether the Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, is dead or alive, but it is more concerned on how to ensure that the terrorists laid down their arms.