Dozens of Boko Haram fighters have given themselves up to authorities in Niger, Theater Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Lucky Irabor.
He stated this while addressing the media on the operations of the military especially regarding the recent capture of Sambisa Firest, the headquarters of the terrorists group.
Irabor said 30 fighters who surrendered to the authority are currently in Diffa, southern Niger.
Nigerien minister of Interior, Mohamed Bazoum also confirmed the surrender of the fighters via twitter on Tuesday.
“Thirty-one young people from Diffa, who were enrolled a few years ago in Boko Haram, decided to surrender,” the minister said.
The fighters arrived in the remote desert town of Diffa in groups and were being held by local authorities.
“I learned that the first who surrendered were not arrested, and I surrendered,” a former Boko Haram combatant told national television.
“We expect a pardon from the government so that we can participate in the development of the country and help us get rid of the trauma.”
