From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Truth Alliance, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dedicated to exposing the propaganda and lies of Boko Haram terrorists, has revealed a fracture within the terrorists group’s ranks due to increasing defections.
This was revealed at the by the representative of the organisation, Ahmed Mustapha, as part of its ‘Time to Tell the Truth’ campaign, titled, ‘Cracks in the Caliphate: Exposing weakening resolve and escalating desertions among insurgent groups.’
The organisation emphasised that the increase in Boko Haram’s surrenders and defections was a sign of the group’s lack of leadership and deteriorating morale.
According to the statement, there have been noteworthy disclosures in the past several weeks regarding the internal strife and increasing disillusionment inside Boko Haram, as demonstrated by the six members of the group, who turned themselves in to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin.
The group’s cohesiveness and operational efficacy are weakened by these defections, exposing the fundamental weaknesses within its ranks.
Part of the statement read: “Between April 17 and 27, young insurgents, including 19-year-old Alhaji Ali, along with 37-year-old Haoudou Sedik, and 21-year-old Kadja Ousman, turned themselves in for the authorities in both Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Their testimonies provide a disturbing glimpse into the group’s operations, and the brutal reality that contradicts the group’s recruitment propaganda.
“Boko Haram, infamous for its brutal campaign of violence, has long engaged in heinous atrocities, including mass kidnappings, indiscriminate killings, and the exploitation of children as soldiers.
“The group’s notorious abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014 remains a stark reminder of their ruthless tactics. Moreover, the insurgents frequently utilise suicide bombings, targeting innocent civilians in markets, places of worship, and crowded venues, further exacerbating the region’s humanitarian crisis.
“The defectors’ accounts reveal a common theme of manipulation, with promises of empowerment and religious fulfilment quickly supplanted by the grim realities of violence and coercion. This manipulative recruitment strategy targets the most vulnerable, often deceiving them with twisted interpretations of religious texts.
“The terror unleashed by Boko Haram has led to widespread displacement, with millions forced into refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps under dire conditions. The social fabric of entire communities has been torn apart, with trust eroded and countless families mourning the loss of loved ones.
“The growing number of surrenders and defections from Boko Haram indicates a loss of control and diminishing morale among its members. These internal fractures are critical vulnerabilities that could provide strategic opportunities for regional security forces to capitalise on, potentially accelerating the group’s decline.”
The Truth Alliance assured that it was committed to unmasking the truth behind the violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, and more resilient society for all.
In a campaign tagged, ‘Time to Tell the Truth,’ the organisation has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: “These groups manipulate, deceive, control, kill, kidnap, and destroy, and their movement, as well as ideology, are inherently weak.”