Terrorist Group, ISWAP Is Massively Recruiting To Replace ‘Repentant’ Members — Nigerian Army Spokesman

The terrorist group Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) has begun a large recruitment drive.

This follows the killing of Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau and thousands of Boko Haram insurgents’ subsequent’repentance.’

Army Public Relations Director Brig. Gen. Onyeama Nwachukwu stated this during a tour of the Theatre Command’s headquarters, Operation Hadin Kai Maimalari, in Maiduguri, Bornu State, on Sunday.

According to The PUNCH, the Director stated that the military would not back down in its war against terrorism.

He did, however, warn residents to be vigilant in their neighborhoods.

“I will like to mention that the ISWAP, very recently, having been depleted by the surrendering of their member, as well as and conflict between them, they have embarked on what I will call a massive recruitment drive and I consider it very important to engage the media to block this recruitment.

“The Boko Haram insurgents have been surrendering. People have questioned the authenticity of the surrendering of these insurgents and why they are surrendering at this time.

“There are also the questions on the reintegration of these insurgents. Another question is what the plight of the victims of the insurgency is.

“That is the essence of this tour. The military is not resting on its oars in the fight to end insurgency and insecurity in the country,” Nwachukwu said.

He said the fight against insurgency had recorded some success.

“At some point, the insurgents almost took over the three state capitals of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe in the North-East. Some three years back, Boko Haram was advancing towards the Federal Capital Territory. Today they have been boxed into the Timbuks,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, Commander, Theater Command, Operations Hadin Kai, emphasized that the military does not have the authority to prosecute rebels, but rather profiles and investigates them before passing them over to the appropriate authorities.