One of the alleged defectors, Mohamoud Hajji Korane gave himself up together with two of his guards and a battle-wagon to the Somali forces in Qoqani town.

The militant leader surrendered Thursday evening after negotiating with the relevant government authorities in the area, according to TFG officials.

Another militant leader only named Anas also surrendered early Friday morning.

TFG official, Col. Mohamed Abdullahi confirmed the defection of the two militant leaders to Sunatimes, saying that the two were in contact with the area government officials for a couple of days seeking amnesty before giving themselves up.

Abdullahi said they will hand over these defectors to the government’s command centre in Dobley to ascertain the geniuses of their defection.

He further said they received them warmly to encourage other defectors to follow suit.

TFG has on several occasions in the past displayed alleged militant defectors joining their ranks, attributing this mass defection for their continuous provision of amnesty to militant defectors.