The Nigerian military has received about 1,500 commanders and members of Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the last four months.
The figure comprises those who dropped their arms under the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and his successor, Faruk Yahaya, we learnt.
Their surrender followed a series of military operations after the death of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.
A video clip showing the terrorists and their family members emerging from the forest has been circulating.
It was gathered that they walked up to troops at Mafa and turned themselves in after a promise of amnesty and rehabilitation.
A former top commander, Adamu Rugurugu, gave up alongside his men and household.
Earlier, at different times, some of the sects’ fighters surrendered at Bama, Mafa and Gwoza.
The military has been carrying out a sensitization campaign in both Kanuri and Hausa languages to urge the outlaws to embrace peace.
A number of Islamic scholars and family members were contacted to urge insurgents to return to the society.
“They surrendered a lot of weapons and are cooperating with our team in designated locations,” an intelligence operative told newsmen.
