Special Adviser to the Borno State government on Security Affairs, Brig Gen. Ishaq Abdullahi (rtd), who made this known to newsmen on Wednesday, said over 90,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have so far surrendered to the Borno State government in the last 17 months of initiated of peace dialogue with the fighters.
He said 95 percent of diehard terrorist Commanders have been killed in military operations and during fights between rival factions.
“The advantage we have in this peace dialogue is the death of late Abubakar Shekau and the political will, as well as the willingness of the people to forgive.
“They warned that nobody should pick my calls or be eliminated in Sambisa, they actually eliminated more than 300 fighters and their families who were coming out. Just last week they killed three commanders and their families who were about to escape. It is sad to hear that but this is to tell you what we are doing.
“So any surrender Boko Haram you see in the camp now has risked his life to come out, in fact, there was one that was coming out and he says, sir, pray for me so it is 50/ 50 for them. It is so bad that the commanders are killing the children, women and disabled people to instil fear in them.
“Just last week, there was a video that they wore red clothes on them, they were Amirs that have accepted to come but unfortunately they were eliminated to instil fear in those who are willing to surrender.
“Again, we are so lucky that over 95 percent of Boko Haram commanders diehard are dead, they are dead. It makes it easy for us to speak with them and persuade them to drop their weapon to embrace peace.
“I must say this fighting between Islamic State of West African Province(ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters has helped us but most importantly the death of commanders played a key role in our success.
“I just have to say this, the people of Borno had prayed seriously, I hold the opinion that it is their prayers that God accepted in this way. in fact, most of these people the moment they came out would say we don’t know why we fighting.
“It amazed me most times when I listened to them. It has gotten to a certain time that when they see my call in Sambisa forest they would be confused”, he said.
About the Author
