Following the aggressive deployment of intelligence, non-kinetic and kinetic onslaught by the Nigerian troops on Boko Haram (BH) / Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ locations, almost 300 Commanders and foot-soldiers have surrendered within the last one month.
Security Watch Africa (SWA) gathered from a reliable source that acting on the directives from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, massive engagement of intelligence tools were employed to gather actionable information on the locations of BHTs / ISWAP.
“When the new COAS visited the Theatre, he promised to give the troops what they need to be able to penetrate the BHTs / ISWAP bases both in the Sambisa forest and Lake Chad general areas.
“It is obvious that the use of some discreet technologies have assisted to gather useful intelligence which armed the troops to carry out several offensive into their so-called strongholds”.
The source who is very knowledgeable with the activities of the troops, added, “In the last one month, many of their strategic commanders have abandoned their destructive mission and surrendered to our troops. Twenty of their IED (Improvised Explosives Devise) experts were brought out by their leader, Abu Darda. Not only him, there are many of them that are coming out with their weapons and other incendiaries. This is a good omen”.
“Many of those who surrendered, gave details of how much terrified they were in their locations and that is why most of them came out with their wives and children.
“If you can remember, just few days back over 150 of the surrendered who were thoroughly screened and documented, were released to the government”.
Speaking on the various techniques used by the troops, the source disclosed, “I can see that the kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations are really paying off and the manner they are handling the ‘surrendered’ within the ambit of international best practices have helped to convince others to come out too.
“These unfolding mixed technique and humane handling of surrendered members are tangible steps towards ultimate success we are recording now.
“With my interaction with the troops, they are really grateful for all the support from the COAS and other Service Chiefs who have insisted in jointness and taking the fight to the terrorists”.
On how soon can they finish this fight, our source stressed, “From what I am seeing, the troops are more than ever ready to conclude this fight as soon as possible, but we need serious support from you the media. Your support is key to shaping the troops resolve to continue their aggressive posture.
“Importantly, the citizens too, need to maintain their confidence on the military efforts and condition the insurgents towards accepting defeat as we progress”, he concludes.