Approximately 1,400 followers of the jihadist group Boko Haram have been intercepted while fleeing into Niger after clashes with the rival Islamic State group.
The exodus into southeastern Niger began in March when the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) pursued Boko Haram in their forest hideout in Sambisa, northeastern Niger.
The armed forces of Niger have successfully captured 1,397 individuals, including women and children, as stated in a press release from the army’s southeastern region.
These individuals have been handed over to Nigerian military authorities. The statement also mentioned that around 30 terrorists who refused to surrender were killed during the operation.
Boko Haram initiated a violent campaign in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people and the displacement of approximately two million individuals, according to UN figures.
The group gained global attention in 2014 when they abducted 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, with 96 still missing. However, in 2016, Boko Haram splintered, giving rise to ISWAP, which now dominates the conflict.
The fleeing Boko Haram followers were attempting to reach the marshlands of the vast Lake Chad region, known to be a refuge for jihadists.
Their movement was initially observed on March 7 as they crossed the Kamadougou Yoge River, which marks the border between Niger and Nigeria. Six days later, Nigerien troops launched an operation that resulted in the killing of 20 jihadists and the capture of 83 others.
The southeastern region of Diffa, which has faced numerous jihadist attacks over the years, has experienced relative calm since the beginning of 2023, according to a security source.
However, the region continues to face dangers from rebel-planted landmines, with recent incidents causing the deaths of seven soldiers and injuries to several others.
Additionally, Niger is grappling with a jihadist insurgency along its southwestern border with Mali.
AGS NEWS 