57 Terrorists, Families Surrender to MNJTF in Cameroon, Niger

*NAF elevates four officers 

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja  

The leadership of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Tuesday said that no fewer than 57 terrorists and their families, dropped their weapons and surrendered to its troops in Cameroon and Niger, as Operation Lake Sanity II continues its onslaught against terrorists in Lake Chad Basin. 

A statement by Chief Military Public Information Officer, MNJTF, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi, said the troops who successfully facilitated the surrender of the terrorists, also rescued 12 other family members from their hideouts.

This is as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), bestowed four Group Captains with special promotion to the exalted rank of Air Commodore for exhibiting unparalleled dedication and loyalty to the Service.

Giving detail of the surrendered terrorists, Abdullahi, noted that in Sector 1 Cameroon, a combined maritime operation by Cameroonian and Nigerian forces led to the surrender of 56 Boko Haram terrorists. 

According to him, this group included 13 adult men accompanied by 43 women and children. He said that on the same date, 12 family members of terrorists, including 5 women and 7 children, were rescued. 

He added that both the surrendered individuals and the rescued family members were handed over to the troops of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, in Gamboru and Banki for further action.

Abdullahi said that troops of Sector 4, Niger Republic, received 24-year-old Tijjani Muhammad, who surrendered with one AK-47 rifle, 4 magazines, and numerous 7.62mm rounds. 

He said the terrorist  reported that he had escaped from a Boko Haram camp in Libye Soroa, driven by the current Operation Lake Sanity II.

“The increasing number of surrenders significantly weakens the operational capability of Boko Haram and undermine the morale of their remaining fighters. Other terrorists are strongly urged to take advantage of the opportunity to lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities for lasting peace in the Lake Chad basin region,”  Abdullahi said. 

Also, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, bestowed four Group Captains with special promotion to the exalted rank of Air Commodore for exhibiting unparalleled dedication and loyalty to the Service.

The officers, who are due for retirement from the service were decorated with their new ranks in the full glare of their families, friends and colleagues.

A statement by NAF Spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the promotion of these officers, conducted outside the typical promotion timeline, showcased the profound contributions they have made to both the NAF and the nation. 

Gabkwet said that those granted special promotion by Air Force Council, included Air Cdre John Opara, who was celebrated for his outstanding performance as an astute administration officer. 

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said that despite earlier challenges Opara faced in his promotion journey, his unwavering dedication and significant contributions were recognized, affirming the belief that “delay is not denial.” 

He also described him as one of the few highly experienced, dynamic and versatile administration officers who made significant and remarkable contributions to the attainment of NAF operational objectives. 

Other included two NAF Chaplains and Imam, Air Cdre Okechukwu Okoye, David Ahmadu, and Tahir Bin-Isah.These gentlemen, Hasan said were responsible for fostering unity and mutual respect across different faiths within and outside the Service, and their commitment to the emotional and spiritual well-being of NAF personnel was acknowledged as a cornerstone of NAF’s moral strength.