The Nigerian Army says sustained military operations in the North-East have led to a 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists surrendering to troops within the past week.
The Army said the development followed intensified ground operations, attacks on identified terrorist positions and efforts to disrupt logistics and supply routes under Operation Hadin Kai.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the surge in surrenders showed the impact of continued military pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.
Goni said, “The Theatre recorded a 213 per cent increase in terrorist surrenders compared with the preceding week.”
According to him, the increased number of surrendering fighters and associates indicates that some members of the groups are abandoning terrorist activities and submitting to established surrender procedures
He added that two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops on Wednesday, bringing along arms, ammunition and other military equipment.
“The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements,” he said.
The military also disclosed that several other terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on August 7 at New Abaram.
Goni said the group surrendered following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave.
He explained that the surrendering members were screened, while mobile phones and other items were recovered from them before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.
The Army attributed the rising number of surrenders to its multi-pronged strategy involving offensive ground operations, precision engagements and the disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.
According to the statement, restricting the movement and access of terrorists to supplies has made it increasingly difficult for them to regroup, replenish resources and sustain prolonged operations.
“The increasing frequency of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the Theatre’s multi-dimensional approach,” Goni said.
He maintained that the trend was not merely a series of isolated decisions but reflected what he described as the cumulative effect of sustained military pressure and growing fractures within terrorist ranks.
Operation Hadin Kai, he said, would continue to put pressure on terrorist groups while providing channels for members willing to abandon violence and surrender.
“The objective remains clear: to further degrade terrorist capabilities, restore security and create the conditions necessary for lasting peace and stability across the North-East,” Goni stated.
He urged residents to support military operations by providing security agencies with timely and credible information.
The Army also called on terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and make use of available surrender channels.
