Boko Haram terrorists have killed over 252 civilians in Borno State in August alone as the insurgents escalated attacks.
The Nigeria Security Report by an Abuja-based security outfit, Beacon Intel, headed by Dr Kabiru Adamu, revealed this at the weekend.
Daiky Trust reports that residents and community leaders said they were worried with the upsurge of attacks by terrorists.
Quoting sources, the report said some Boko Haram terrorists who surrendered to the military had returned and rejoined terrorist groups in Gwoza, Damboa, Guzamala, Kukawa, Abadam, Baga and other areas of Lake Chad.
“A repentant Boko Haram fighter called Yaga Balu, who surrendered to the military in Gwoza and reintegrated into the society, had allegedly returned to Sambisa forest,” the report said, adding that Balu escaped with a riffle and motorcycle given to him by government during an operation in the Gwoza axis.
Balu had so far allegedly masterminded several attacks killing over 30 people, including a police operative, soldier and injured several others in the process.
According to the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, Balu was part of his (emir’s) team when he led farmers to start clearing and cultivate their farmlands.
“He is a small boy but very dangerous. I can’t say he is the one leading these attacks, but all the attacks took place after he returned to the bush.
“We did not witness any killing throughout the farming process until when Balu left. That’s why most people accuse him of being behind the attacks,” the emir said.
The Emir called on the government to fish out Boko Haram informants, saying “because these hypocrites would tell their leaders about any operation the military is about to take.
“Few months back, the military climbed the Mandara Mountain and started liberating some communities but the insurgents took advantage of the early information they received and knowledge of the terrain to push the military back.”
