ABOUT 80 Boko Haram fighters have laid down their arms and surrendered to the men of the Nigerian Army at Bama in Borno State in what the military authorities are describing as a landmark event. 

Over recent months, the Nigerian Army has enjoyed significant success in dislodging Boko Haram from it strongholds despite the fact that the terrorists are still carrying out bloody bomb attacks. Over recent weeks, however, large numbers of terrorists have been laying down their arms as over 200 surrendered earlier this week before yesterday's batch. 

Nigerian Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman, said among those who surrendered yesterday were commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers who participated in past battles by the terrorist group. He added that they surrendered as a result of the intense heat and continuous offensive action embarked by troops. 

Col Usman said: “It would be recalled that we have repeatedly stated that surrender is the only option available to insurgents as the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with other security agencies are totally committed to the achievement of the three months presidential deadline for the eradication of terrorism in Nigeria. Other terrorists are encouraged to also surrender or face total annihilation as the new name of the operation states achievement of total peace is a must." 

On September 25, the Nigerian Army said 200 self-acclaimed terrorists turned themselves in just as troops captured Banki, an economically important and strategic town noted for fishing, and where major economic and trading activities between Nigeria and Cameroon takes place. This follows a similar incident on September 13, when the army said scores terrorists surrendered after they realised that the new strategies being deployed was becoming successful. 

A similar claim was made on September 22 when Nigeria's defence headquarters said 10 terrorists surrendered to troops at Kawuri village in Borno State. Two days later, on September 24, the military circulated a statement saying another batch of 135 Boko Haram members surrendered with their weapons around Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. 

On September 19, Col Usman said another batch of eight self-acclaimed terrorists surrendered to troops of the 21st Brigade of the Nigerian Army. However, the Nigerian Army is yet to parade the surrendered terrorists.