Shekau’s Death and Infighting: Key Factors in Mass Surrender of Terrorists

The recent mass surrender of terrorists in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors, according to Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo.

One significant factor is the death of the notorious Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, who committed suicide on May 19, 2021, when rival Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists invaded his camp in Sambisa forest to take over command.

Infighting between ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists, as well as the political will of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, through the deradicalisation model, have also played a role in the relative peace enjoyed in the State.

The Commissioner revealed that the Nigerian Army has released 500 suspects of involvement in terrorism from the detention facility at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri.

The released individuals were handed over to the State Government and are undergoing deradicalisation at various centres, including the Hajj Camp and Gombe.

During a public presentation of the Charter of Demand from Survivors, Victims, and De-radicalised Women in Borno State, organized by the indigenous NGO Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, the Commissioner confirmed that the State government has reintegrated over 7,000 members of the terrorists into various communities and that they have been taken on oath by the Shehu of Borno with the Holy Qu’ran to ensure they don’t return to the bush.

Despite the progress made in the fight against terrorism, some survivors have expressed concerns about innocent individuals being detained at Giwa Barracks during military raids.

The Executive Director of Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Hamsatu Allamin, lauded the Army for providing periodical access for the Foundation to visit those in detention and urged the military to sustain the tempo to ensure that no innocent member of the society suffered for a crime they did not commit.

The ongoing collaboration between the military and the Borno State government has led to the release of those identified as innocent, and there is hope that this will continue to contribute to the decline in terrorist activity in the region.