A 23-year-old suspected Boko Haram fighter, identified as Ali Saidiq, has surrendered to troops in Borno State with an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition, as sustained military pressure continues to weaken terrorist networks in the Lake Chad region.

Saidiq, a native of Garere in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, surrendered at about 4:45 p.m. on August 20 during a stop-and-search operation conducted by troops of 196 Amphibious Battalion and the Nigerian Army Brigade Lake Chad at Kwatan Alkama checkpoint.

According to sources the suspect voluntarily surrendered one AK-47 rifle, with registration number 02657, and one magazine loaded with 26 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition.

Preliminary investigation indicated that Saidiq decided to surrender following sustained military pressure against terrorist elements in the area and after losing interest in continuing with terrorist activities.

Security sources said his surrender represents another indication of the impact of intensified military operations on the operational capacity and morale of terrorist fighters operating in the Lake Chad axis.

The suspect is currently in military custody for profiling and further investigation to establish his role within the terrorist group, his operational history and possible links to other members of the network.

The development comes amid continued efforts by Nigerian troops to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, disrupt their logistics and encourage fighters who are willing to abandon terrorism to surrender.

The military has continued to combine offensive operations with intelligence-led security measures, including stop-and-search activities, aimed at intercepting terrorists and recovering weapons before they can be used against troops or civilians.

The surrendered rifle and ammunition have been secured as part of the ongoing investigation. (Zagazola)