Recent months have seen an increase in Boko Haram terrorist attacks in Borno State, resulting in the loss of many lives, according to a report by Daily Trust.
The Nigeria Security Report, released by the Abuja-based security organization Beacon Intel, led by Dr. Kabiru Adamu, revealed that in the month of August alone, over 252 people were killed in these attacks.
Community leaders and residents in the affected areas have expressed their deep concern regarding the rising wave of terror activities.
Sources have alleged that some repentant Boko Haram fighters, who had formerly surrendered to the military, have since returned to rejoin the ranks of the terrorist groups.
These insurgents are reported to be active in various areas, including Gwoza, Damboa, Guzamala, Kukawa, Abadam, Baga, and around Lake Chad.
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One specific case highlights the troubling trend: a repentant Boko Haram fighter, known as Yaga Balu, who had previously surrendered to the military in Gwoza and reintegrated into society, has allegedly returned to the infamous Sambisa forest.
It is claimed that Balu managed to escape with a rifle and a motorcycle provided to him by the government during an operation in the Gwoza region.
They said Balu had so far allegedly masterminded several attacks that led to the killing of over 30 people, including a police operative, soldier and injured several others.
“Before this ambush, between September 9 and 16, they killed 10 farmers in 10 days. They killed six people in Jige, two in Nyamtake and another two people on their farm.”
Speaking on the matter, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, said Balu was part of his (emir’s) team when he led farmers to start clearing and cultivate their farmlands.
“He is a small boy but very dangerous. I can’t say he is the one leading these attacks, but all the attacks took place after he returned to the bush.
“We did not witness any killing throughout the farming process until when Balu left. That’s why most people accuse him of being behind the attacks,” the emir said.
He said Boko Haram informants should be fished out “because these hypocrites would tell their leaders about any operation the military is about to take.
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“Few months back, the military climbed the Mandara Mountain and started liberating some communities but the insurgents took advantage of the early information they received and knowledge of the terrain to push the military back.”
Daily Trust noted a security source, revealing that during the Mandara Mountain operation, the military lost five courageous soldiers due to the inability to receive aerial support on account of heavy rainfall.