Fleeing Boko Haram members surrender as troops eliminate ISWAP spy
The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) successfully intercepted and eliminated an Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) spy, identified as Abubakar Islmail, in Darak Town, Cameroon.
Abubakar was apprehended on May 31, 2024, while digging a hole near a helipad in Darak.
Through further investigation, it was confirmed that he was working as a spy for ISWAP against the troops, leading to his neutralisation when he attempted to escape.
In a separate development, Bayanze Mustapha, a Boko Haram member, surrendered himself to the troops of the 21 Armoured Brigade in Bama.
Bayanze had fled the Sambisa forest, along with other terrorists, fearing elimination after numerous camps were captured and destroyed by the troops.
On June 1, Bayanze surrendered with his rifle and shared that many others were also seeking safety as the troops continued their operations in the Sambisa forest.
“They burnt everything, our food, homes and properties. There is hunger in the camp and there is no possibility of survival. As you know, ISWAP elements are also hunting to kill us,” he said.
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Relatedly, in a continuation of ISWAP’s quest for vehicles, the group infiltrated Geidam town, making off with two trucks, a Hilux and a Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck, along with an unspecified number of arms from the CJTF camp.
There were no casualties reported as the camp was unoccupied at the time of the attack.
Makama said the incident reaffirms recent assertion of a likely increase in attacks deploying Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) around Lake Chad. Over the past two months, ISWAP had successfully executed five vehicle snatching incidents around the border towns.
He said: “In addition to a potential rise in VBIED attacks, the acquisition of these vehicles will enhance ISWAP’s mobility and ability to conduct more attacks.
“It is noteworthy that both the Nigerian ir Force (NAF) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien Air Force had jointly eliminated virtually all of ISWAP’s vehicles operating around Lake Chad.’’
“Geidam’s proximity to the Diffa-Maine road in Niger Republic, with a direct link road, indicates that it is likely the same ISWAP faction conducting operations in these areas.
“This continued vehicle snatching poses a significant threat, necessitating heightened vigilance and precautionary measures from authorities and commuters alike.”