In what the Nigerian Army described as a landmark development, 80 Boko Haram terrorists today surrendered en mass to troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE in Bama, Borno State.

Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said that “the terrorists, among whom are commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers,” confirmed to have partaken in several terrorists attacks especially on Bama town, Borno State. They “surrendered as a result of the intense heat and continuous offensive action embarked by troops,” the Army Spokesman said this evening in a statement.

He 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 3 months Presidential deadline for the eradication of terrorism in Nigeria.”

Continuing, Col. Usman said: “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’.

“Citizens are please requested to continue providing useful information to security agencies that will lead to apprehension of all known terrorists.”

Meanwhile, troops acting on a tip-off yesterday afternoon discovered and raided yet another Boko Haram fuel dump at Abbaganaram in Maiduguri city, capital of Borno State.

Col. Usman said: “During the operation, one person, Musa Abba, was arrested and the following items were discovered and confiscated; 11 drums of AGO, 1 empty drum, 192 of 25 litres jerrycans, (out of which 70 were loaded with AGO, PMS and DPK), a Toyota bus and 1 Peugeot car. Others include a motorcycle and an air conditioner.

“The fuel depot was used to stockpile Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants by Boko Haram terrorists and their equally heartless collaborators for onward movement to the terrorists’ camps in Sambisa forest.

“Over time we have been exhorting the public especially the residence of the north eastern part of the country which has been mostly affected by the acts of the Boko Haram terrorists to cooperate fully with the military and the security agencies.

“It is gratifying to note that such call is being heeded to by overwhelming majority of people as exemplified by the courageous and patriotic efforts of the good citizens that exposed this fuel dump in their midst. It is important that people should see the fight against the security menace of Boko Haram terrorism as collective responsibility.

“Therefore, the public are kindly requested to be more vigilant and assist with useful information that would assist in preventing Boko Haram terrorists from carrying out their nefarious acts against the society.”

•Nigerian Army Photo shows some of the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists.