The Think Nigeria First Initiative (TNFI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged Boko Haram Terrorists and their sponsors to surrender voluntarily or face the consequence of their Action.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its Director General, Abubakar Tsanni, TNFI noted the series of military warnings especially by Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, to Boko Haram fighters and their sponsors to surrender and desist from further act of sabotage before the evil day would dawn on them.

“This has been said over and again but it is good to reiterate that Boko Haram elements and their sponsors should put Nigeria first and also note that the only war acceptable in religion is one that was provoked and even then, once the aggressor surrenders or turns away from his aggressiveness, you must cease fire.

“In this case, the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria permit and even encourage every citizen to practice his religion and so, it is a sin to take innocent lives and use young boys and girls as agents of death.”

While urging such sponsors who could have been coerced into the evil deeds or even those who are willing tools to heed the timely warning, the group expressed its conclusion that the warning was not a show of weakness but borne out of the realisation that although terrorists and their sponsors are perpetrating evil, they are still Nigerians who should be encouraged back into the path of sanity and patriotism.

Tsanni said it is obvious that the most important thing that has obviously changed in the last four months in the battle against terrorism is leadership both political and military.

He commended members of the Nigerian military over their determination to win the war against extremism and terrorism, which has caused the thousands of death, destruction of property and dislocation of innocent citizens in parts of the country especially in the North East.

“Dedicated and trustworthy leadership was enthroned in the military hierarchy, leading by example, going into the battlefield with their troops and showing commitment to the task at hand.

“This is in addition to political leadership that is generally seen to be transparent, honest and determined to see a quick end to the menace within the quickest possible time.”

The group said it was the determination and single mindedness observed in the troops that are now driving thousands of insurgents to surrender and pledge loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

TNFI then urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of security consciousness as a way of protecting themselves from the antics of terrorism and other criminal tendencies as well as expose perpetrators of evil.

•Photo shows Boko Haram insurgents.