A member of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, identified as Bakaka Bukar, on Sunday surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, in what authorities describe as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter insurgency operations in the North East.
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ISWAP Fighter Surrender Borno Operation Hadin Kai occurred at the Forward Operating Base, Mairari, at about 6:00 p.m. on June 1, according to security sources familiar with the development.
The development has been linked to sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad region, which has increasingly encouraged defections among insurgent ranks.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, Bukar surrendered voluntarily and handed over one AK-47 rifle to troops, expressing willingness to renounce insurgency and embrace peaceful reintegration into society.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the insurgent escaped from the Arinna Maimasalaci enclave, an ISWAP stronghold reportedly under the command of a terrorist leader identified as Abu Salim.
Security analysts say the surrender reflects growing strain within terrorist networks operating in the region, as intensified air and ground operations continue to disrupt their activities.
Following initial screening and documentation, military authorities transferred Bukar to the Bulunkutu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, where he is expected to participate in the Federal Government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
Zagazola noted that ongoing military offensives have continued to weaken insurgent structures while boosting morale among troops engaged in sustained operations.
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He added that although the security situation remains calm, it is still unpredictable, with forces maintaining heightened alertness across operational theatres.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
