Keremi, who was identified as the right-hand man to a notorious Boko Haram commander, voluntarily turned himself into the authorities.
A high-ranking Boko Haram Deputy Commander, identified as Awana Alhaji Mele Keremi, has reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The surrender took place in Cross Kauwa, in the Lake Chad region, known for its history of insurgency-related activities.
Keremi, who was identified as the right-hand man to a notorious Boko Haram commander, voluntarily turned himself into the authorities.
This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Chief Military Information Officer, HQ MNJTF N’Djamena, Chad, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.
Osoba said that in a series of confessions, Keremi admitted his involvement in numerous terrorist operations, particularly along the Monguno-Baga axis, a region that has witnessed some of the most intense conflicts between Boko Haram insurgents and Nigerian military forces.
According to him, “In a related development, MNJTF troops also welcomed Babagoni Modu and a family of eight who managed to escape from a Boko Haram camp in Marte. Modu, a former member of the terrorist group, cited his disillusionment with their violent activities as the reason for his escape.”
He said the family, comprising two women, four men, and two children, recounted the harrowing experiences they endured at the hands of the terrorists before their daring escape.
The military gave the surrendered persons placards calling on other terrorists in the region to surrender to the troops.
“Simultaneously, MNJTF troops successfully detected and safely detonated multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Cross Kauwa, preventing potential harm to civilians and infrastructure in the area.”
He said the discovery and detonation of these IEDs highlight the vigilance and effectiveness of the troops in countering the threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
“These recent developments underscore the commitment of the MNJTF to combat terrorism and safeguard the Lake Chad region,” he ssaid.
Osoba added that the surrender of a high-ranking Boko Haram figure and the successful disposal of explosive devices represent significant victories in the ongoing campaign against terrorism in the area.