By Abu Faisal

A coalition of civil society groups, The Truth Alliance, has reported a significant split within the terrorist group Boko Haram. The rift, marked by a wave of defections, points to a decrease in the group’s control and a dip in morale among its fighters.

During a recent campaign named ‘Cracks in the Caliphate: Exposing Weakening Resolve and Escalating Desertions among Insurgent Groups,’ Ahmed Mustapha of The Truth Alliance detailed how desertions are revealing the group’s vulnerabilities.

The campaign is part of the Alliance’s initiative ‘Time to Tell the Truth.’

In just ten days, key Boko Haram members, including individuals as young as 19, have surrendered to authorities, bringing to light the grim inner workings of the group. These deserters’ stories have exposed a gaping departure from the group’s usual recruitment narratives, showcasing a pattern of exploitation and coercion.

 “Between April 17 and April 27, young insurgents including 19-year-old Alhaji Ali, along with Haoudou Sedik, 37, and Kadja Ousman, 21, turned themselves into authorities in both Nigeria and Cameroon, ” Mustapha said. “Their testimonies provide a disturbing glimpse into the group’s operations and the brutal reality that contradicts the group’s recruitment propaganda propaganda,”

The group said Boko Haram, infamous for its terror tactics – from mass kidnappings, like the notorious 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, to suicide bombings – has caused immense human suffering. The insurgents’ actions have not only led to a humanitarian crisis but also ripped apart the social fabric of communities and displaced millions.

“The recent defections, including six members turning themselves in to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin, suggest a critical opportunity for security forces to exploit these internal rifts,” a statement shared with The Humanitarianbl Times said.

The Truth Alliance, dedicated to debunking the myths propagated by violent extremists, emphasizes that the group’s downfall is imminent due to its inherent weaknesses. The Alliance’s work focuses on educating and empowering communities to stand against oppression and build a more secure and resilient society.