The move by the Nigerian Army to release a lengthy list of 86 suspected Boko Haram terrorists has been met with mixed reactions.
The list was released by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai alongside the Governor of Borno state Babagana Zulum at the Nigerian Army Super Camp, Chabbal in Konduga local government area of Borno on Wednesday.
Among the list were leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, Yan Kolo, Ibrahim Abu Maryam, Baka Kwasari, Bana Gonna, Mohammed Abu Maryam, Abu Imma, Abu Dardda, Abu Musa Al Barnawi, Modu Sulum, Malkam Umar and Bello Husba.
It is worthwhile to note that the release comes just days after reports that the United Arab Emirates UAE convicted Six Nigerian nationals for funding Boko Haram in 2019.
Reacting to the development, a number of citizens wondered why Nigerian authorities pretend to be proactive whenever international bodies make significant strides in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency.
Many others expressed loss of confidence in the Nigerian Army and Federal Government, stressing that the wanted terrorists will be granted amnesty if they get captured.
Not to be left out, a few wondered how the Nigerian Army would capture the suspected terrorist when the operation has been made overt by a well-publicized routine-like launch of the wanted list.
We bring you some of the reactions.
Anytime the US wants to step in or the heat is on them, like Senator Ndume did with the press for the umpteenth time yesterday, the military will respond by showg us almanac of wanted BokoHaram members..Gather your intelligence and end BokoHaram, we are tired!..#SecureNorth
— Peter Obi’s Civil Engineer (@feel_NN) November 12, 2020
After Dubai clamp down those sponsoring Boko Haram, You're here releasing list. Did you expect me to see one of them walking in the street and hand him over to you? He will be giving amnesty, tagged as repentance terrorist
— APL TS💡⚡💡 (@RockPeeter) November 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/endsarnoww/status/1326666785916121088
Few minutes after America decides to take things up… Disgraceful pic.twitter.com/NL8ZF3d978
— 𝖆𝖑ö𝕳õmô𝖗𝖆* (@winwitty) November 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/healer_fisayor/status/1326651593299779586
As usual they always release list of terrorists like university admission but failed to go after them,Nigerian Army I salute Ooo.
— Darey o.🕊️ (@Dareo43067636) November 12, 2020
Nonsense hypocrisy from the Nigerian army & govt. So if d world have not decided most recently to look into d activities & role our govt play 2 support terrorist in the country, they would never have come up with this cook up lies…
— D-Rebellion Freedom-Fighter (@FreedomRebelion) November 12, 2020
So with the wanted terrorists list released, are we supposed to be impressed, trust the Army that cruelly murdered peaceful #EndSars Protesters or to go hunting down the terrorists by ourselves? UAE released no such list but apprehended 6 of the real terrorists. Away with noise.
— Eevee Zioffor (@EZoffor) November 11, 2020
You've been releasing there names since they came to stay but yiu never capture them..
— Obilade Ayomide (@ObiladeA) November 12, 2020
For how long would they be wanted where are the Nigerian military special forces
— Sudi Patrick D. (@sudipatrickdan) November 12, 2020