Nigerian Army Promises Safe Passage For Repentant Boko Haram Militants

The 21 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in
Maiduguri on Sunday said it had introduced new
measures to counter Boko Haram attacks on civilians in
the state.
The acting Commander of the brigade, Col. Ibrahim
Yusuf, made the disclosure at a news conference in
Maiduguri.
He said "I want to assure you that the army is doing
everything possible to ensure that no civilian is attacked
by Boko Haram in the state because we are here to
ensure the safety of all Nigerians".
He linked the recent attacks on travelers and villagers
by suspected Boko Haram militants on highways to
frustration.
The acting commander said "most times, the Boko
Haram members go to remote villages to kill innocent
civilians in cold blood because they have been
frustrated by the army.
"They cannot operate in the open, so they vent their
anger on innocent civilians".
Yusuf, who said that the military was equal to the task,
noted that "we cannot be taken by surprise by the Boko
Haram, the recent attacks are nothing but signs of
weakness.
"We are also evolving strategies to make sure that we
prevent future attacks, no matter how small".
He said the army was willing to give safe passage to
members of the sect who wanted to quit.
"I want to assure you that we will give a safe passage to
members of the sect, including foot soldiers who are
ready to surrender.
"Those involved can either surrender themselves at any
military out-post or go to their ward or district head.
"Let me say again that all those who surrendered will
not be killed but will be given safe passage", he said.
(NAN)