Over 700 Boko Haram abductees flee Lake Chad islands

Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families who were hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have regained their freedom.

The former abductees including pregnant women fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno where they served as labourers for physical work on the farms of the insurgents.

Spokesman for eight division of the Nigerian Army said that the exodus of the former BokoHaram abductees is not unconnected to a follow up operation which was conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation DEEP PUNCH 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.

The follow up operation which was conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics; such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipments, vehicles and other
means of sustenance.

He said that the ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival have therefore triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees to nearby Monguno.

“So far, over 700 former Boko Haram abductees, comprising adult males,  females and children have been received by troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno.

“Profiling of the displaced persons is on- going to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town. Preliminary Investigation will focus on finding out where wanted BokoHaram Commanders have migrated to.” The release said.

Meanwhile, two of the pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers where they are being profiled.

It could be recalled that 2 weeks ago the initial wave of BokoHaram abductees who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu were similarly received in Monguno.