There was jubilation in the camps of the Nigerian military on the frontlines in Borno State following the surrender of a senior member of Boko Haram, Bashir Bulabuduwaye to troops of the Nigerian Army, resulting from their renewed onslaught in the Lake Chad area.
Security sources said Bulabuduwaye was Boko Haram’s chief executioner, who killed all abducted persons condemned by the group.
It was gathered that the terrorist and his family, his wife and children inclusive, surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on September 12, 2022.
Intelligence sources said Bulabuduwaye was the official who carried out death sentence on captured military men and civilians when Abubakar Shekau was a leader of the terrorist group.
The sources said the former terror kingpin had appeared in many grisly footages showing fighters aligned with Boko Haram, where he slit the throats of prisoners and shot captives after accusing them of being infidels.
“The terrorist, Bulabuduwaye and his team of executors had murdered at least 1,000 persons captured and sentenced to death,” said another military source.
The source stated that Bulabuduwaye was among the commanders, who fled last year’s invasion of the terror group’s stronghold in the Sambisa forest area by a column of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, in May 2021 which resulted in the death of Shekau.
The source adds: “He broke away after refusing to pledge his allegiance to the Islamic State, to form a camp in Kote village in the axis of Banki, where he was hiding with other fighters,” the source said.
“He surrendered due to the sustained intelligence-led air strikes, heavy artillery bombardment and ground offensives by the Nigerian Military troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
“It was difficult for him to access food and other logistics coupled with the flooding which already ravaged most of their settlement.
“He also fears battlefield elimination by ISWAP, being one of those fingered to be eliminated for refusing to pay allegiance.”
The Theatre Commander, North-east “Operation Hadin Kai”, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, recently said over 79,000 insurgents, comprising combatants and non-combatants, had so far surrendered to the military.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, on Friday warned those fueling crises in various parts of the country to desist from such unpatriotic acts.
The army chief gave the warning at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Third Quarter Conference 2022 held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess, Abuja.
Yahaya warned them to retrace their steps or face the consequences of their actions.
He affirmed that the Nigerian Army, within the ambit of rule of law, will continue to ensure that all peace-loving citizens of the country go about their legitimate businesses and live their lives without fear or intimidation.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to work closely with other security agencies to ensure peace in the country.
The Army Chief said the conference examined issues affecting professional conduct of personnel, reviewed training, operations and manpower, as well as various projects embarked upon by the Nigerian Army.
Yahaya said the conference afforded commanders and senior officers the opportunity to appraise all Nigerian Army activities and “we are now rejuvenated towards achieving the goal of discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”
He enjoined all formations and unit commanders to be vigilant and monitor all situations through constant monitoring and ensure proactive solutions to situations.
“Commanders are equally reminded of the need to employ stringent measures to maintain efficient security of arms and ammunition,” he said.
The COAS also directed commanders to ensure that subordinates were educated on the guidelines provided in the new Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement (RoE), and directed that commanders must also ensure the professional conduct of troops and resist any distraction and attempt by misguided elements to bring the Nigerian Army to disrepute.
“All must remain professional and apolitical in conduct all through Operation Safe Conduct,” he said
Yahaya noted that the directive on the reviewed Nigerian Army rules of engagement and code of conduct for Operation Safe Conduct should be adhered to strictly by personnel during the electioneering period.
On the welfare of troops, Yahaya said the Nigerian Army was developing a robust programme to enhance the rehabilitation and resuscitation of personnel who were disabled due to injuries from operations.
“I am sure that when this is completed, the impact on the morale and performance of our troops will speak for itself,” he said.
He commended all personnel for the optimism and commitment shown during the conference which clearly depicted in the quality of discussions and contributions.
The Army Chief restated the loyalty of the Nigerian Army to the Constitution and President Buhari.
Kingsley Nweze in Abuja
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