Boko Haram Now Depends on Unripe Mangoes for Survival - Army Spokesman Reveals

Military troops in action against insurgency

According to Sani Usman, the Nigerian Army spokesman, some members of the Boko Haram sect, who have surrendered to the Nigeria army, say the insurgents are now surviving on roots and mangoes, adding that seven insurgents confessed that their former colleagues had run out of food.

A statement by Usman read;

“Quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists have continued to surrender. Yesterday, out of 16 male adults that came along with their families to troop’s from Balazala and Ahamdaga Makaranta villages in the Dure district, seven of them confessed to be Boko Haram terrorist members.

“However, on proper interrogation, the suspects confirmed to be Boko Haram terrorists with some of them having specialized trade and status.

“Three of them were Ameers (leaders) in the Boko Haram terrorist group’s hierarchy; for instance, Hamidu Buba was found to be the Ameer  (leader) of tailors, while Musa Buba  is Ameer of mechanics and Ali Idrissa, an Ameer of  carpenters. The others confessed to be ‘Rijan’ (fighters), adding that they have participated in various Boko Haram attacks on so many villages and towns. They further stated that the ongoing crackdown operation is really taking its toll on them as they can barely survive.

“As a matter of fact, they confessed that they were all fed up with the situation which has become worse as a result of Operation Crackdown. They also stated that the Boko Haram terrorists have ran out of food and they now survive on roots and unripe mangoes. They also said two of their members sent for food were killed at Frigi crossing point some days earlier by troops.”

The statement added that troops had cleared many camps of the insurgents.

“Troops of 26 and 223, battalions, army headquarters strike group and armed forces special forces have continued offensive operations in furtherance of Operation Crackdown.

“The troops have cleared remnants of Boko Haram in Izza and  Njima general area. Although they did not encounter any Boko Haram terrorists, there were noticeable fresh footprints, motorcycle and bicycle tyre marks in the seemingly abandoned places," he said.