700 captives escape as Boko Haram structure collapses - Nigerian army

The Nigerian army says more than 700 people held by Boko Haram militants in the north-east of the country have escaped captivity following the collapse of the command structure of the terror group.

An army spokesperson, Col Timothy Antigha, said they had fled several islands in Lake Chad and arrived in the town of Monguno, in Borno state.

Below is the full statement:

OVER 700 FARMERS AND FISHERMEN REGAIN FREEDOM AS BOKO HARAM STRUCTURES COLLAPSE

Over 700 farmers, fishermen and members of their families who were hitherto held by Boko Haram terrorists as farm workers have fled the various islands in Lake Chad to Monguno. The exodus of the former Boko Haram abductees is not unconnected to a follow up operation which was conducted a few days ago to exploit the gains of the recent successful Operation DEEP PUNCH 2 in Chikun Gudu and adjourning localities.

The follow up operation which was conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and 38 Task Force Artillery Brigade, 8 Division, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, was targeted at destroying Boko Haram infrastructure and logistics; such as communication centers, fabrication yards, bomb making equipment, vehicles and other means of sustenance. The ensuing collapse of their command structure and means of survival have therefore triggered the abandonment of the islands and escape of the abductees
to Monguno.


So far, over 700 former Boko Haram abductees, comprising adult males, females and children have been received by troops of 242 Battalion in Monguno. Profiling of the displaced persons is on- going to ensure that no terrorist takes advantage of the situation to sneak into the town. Preliminary Investigation will focus on finding out where wanted Boko Haram Commanders have migrated to. Meanwhile, 2 pregnant women among the abductees gave birth yesterday in the holding centers.


It could be recalled that 2 weeks ago the initial wave of Boko Haram abductees who regained freedom following an offensive military operation in Chikun Gudu were similarly received in Monguno.