According to the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Col. Sani Usman, some of the Boko Haram insurgents have confessed that the terrorist sect have run out of food and now live on scrounged up roots and unripe mangoes.
This was contained in a statement, part of which said, “Quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists have continued to surrender. Yesterday, out of 16 male adults that came along with their families to troop’s from Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in the Dure district, seven of them confessed to be Boko Haram terrorist members.
“However, on proper interrogation, the suspects confirmed to be Boko Haram terrorists with some of them having specialized trade and status. Three of them were Ameers (leaders) in the Boko Haram terrorist group’s hierarchy; for instance, Hamidu Buba was found to be the Ameer (leader) of tailors, while Musa Buba is Ameer of mechanics and Ali Idrissa, an Ameer of carpenters. The others confessed to be ‘Rijan’ (fighters), adding that they have participated in various Boko Haram attacks on so many villages and towns. They further stated that the ongoing crackdown operation is really taking its toll on them as they can barely survive,”
Usman also said that the Boko Haram members are unhappy with the situation and have in addition lost two members who were sent for food therefore, making them even more desperate.
He added that the army had broken up many of the Boko Haram camps are had seized weapons belonging to the insurgents.
“Troops of 26 and 223, battalions, army headquarters strike group and armed forces special forces have continued offensive operations in furtherance of Operation Crackdown.
“The troops have cleared remnants of Boko Haram in Izza and Njima general area. Although they did not encounter any Boko Haram terrorists, there were noticeable fresh footprints, motorcycle and bicycle tyre marks in the seemingly abandoned places.
“However, the troops came across and recovered eight abandoned vehicles belonging to Boko Haram terrorists. The advancing troops also cleared all Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts along the way including their camps at Bula Buba and its environs where they recovered one Hilux, one Canter truck, 15 AK-47 rifle magazines, a 60mm high explosive bomb, 200 G3 rifle magazines, three browning machine gun tripod stands and a 60mm mortar bipod stand.
“Other recoveries include several metal links of 7.62mm (NATO) and 12.mm ammunition. In their area of operations, troops of 121 task force battalion today, intercepted 35 civilians comprising six men, seven women, seven males minors and 15 minor females who claimed to be coming from Balaganje village,” he added.
“However, preliminary investigation revealed that they had been living in Balaganje as captives by Boko Haram terrorists who threatened to kill them if they attempt to escape. They are being investigated further.”