From: Molly Kilete, Abuja
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday, said more than 700 members of the Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to soldiers of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in Borno State.
Buratai said the repentant terrorists gave up their arms when they could no longer withstand the intensive bombardment of the troops in their hideouts in the fringes of Sambisa Forest.
The COAS, who made this known at the Photo/Art Exhibition organized to mark the 2017, Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), in Abuja, revealed that many more terrorists were on the verge of surrendering their arms.
The army chief, who described the deviation of the terrorists as a welcome development, said the development would bring a sigh of relief to not just Nigerians but the world at large.
Buratai, while assuring Nigerians of victory over the counter insurgency war said, “I want to congratulate not only our gallant troops and indeed the Navy and Air force but all Nigerians.
“Just a short while ago, I received the good news that about 700 Boko Haram terrorists in the fringes of the Sambisa forest have surrendered.
He continued, “The terrorists are surrendering because of the concerted efforts of the Nigerian military. They are in total disarray, they are hungry and are looking for a way out”
In her address at the occasion, Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who was also the special guest of honour, while noting that the role of the Nigerian Army cannot be underestimated, said the photographic/Art exhibition would serve as an avenue to enlighten the public about the uniqueness of the Nigerian Army and also an opportunity to make the populace appreciate the sacrifices of our men and women in the defence of their fatherland.