MAIDUGURI — Military High Command in Nigeria said it has handed over 565 Boko Haram terrorists to the Borno State government.
Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, while addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters in Abuja said those released to the state government for further management after thorough profiling include three commanders, five cattle rustling specialists and their family members.
But, General Onyeuko did not give details on the exact day and venue the handing over was perfected.
“Between August 12 and September 1, more than 5,890 terrorists comprising foot soldiers and their commanders surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin kai in the North East.”
“Within the period under review, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained their operations against terrorists in the North East theatre. The counter-insurgency efforts of the troops through kinetic and non-kinetic operations compelled the terrorists to surrender in large numbers.”
“A total of 565 BHT’s comprising 3 Commanders, 4 Amirs, 5 Nakibs and 5 cattle rustling specialists, out of the surrendered BHTs and their family members were handed over to the Borno State government in Maiduguri for further management after thorough profiling.”
“No fewer than 52 assorted arms and 1,977 rounds of 7.62mm assorted calibre ammunition, including AK-47 and FN rifles with magazines, hand grenades, commando mortar guns, locally fabricated rifles, Dushka anti-aircraft guns, Dane guns and Nigerian Police rifles among other items were recovered from surrendered terrorists,” Onyeuko said.
Commenting on the issue, Falmata Ari, a mother of 3 whose husband was killed by Boko Haram eight years ago said the government should build a new place of abode for the repentant fighters and their families.
“It would make sense if the federal government would go somewhere and build houses with all basic needs of life for them.
“There are fresh wounds in the hearts of many of us. As we speak, many families are living in IDP camps and you want to bring those who killed our loved ones?” she asked.
Baana Bukar, a resident of Maiduguri said the reintegration should be done systematically.
“Government should study how it was done in other places like Saudi Arabia. Many countries suffered from terrorism but they resolved the problem through careful planning,” he said.
Also, Maj. Bashir Galma (rtd) explained that since the terrorists surrendered with their families, there is no implication if the Borno State government receives the children and women among them.
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