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The number of terrorists and their associates surrendering in Nigeria’s northeast has increased by 213 per cent within one week, the military said on Wednesday.
The military attributed the surge to sustained operations against militant groups.
Its spokesperson, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the increase followed intensified ground operations targeting terrorist positions and disrupting their logistics and supply routes across the region.
He said the development reflected growing pressure on terrorist groups and the diminishing capacity of terrorist elements to retain their fighters and sustain prolonged operations.
“The development is equally indicative of the diminishing capacity of terrorist elements to retain their fighters and sustain prolonged operations,” Goni said.
Two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops on Wednesday, handing over arms, ammunition and other military items, Goni said in a statement issued in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to him, the recovery of weapons and ammunition further indicated the impact of sustained military pressure on the cohesion, morale and operational capacity of terrorist groups.
Goni also said other terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on August 7 at New Abaram, following sustained operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave.
The surrendered members were screened, with mobile phones and other items recovered before they were handed over for further action, he said.
Goni said the increasing frequency of surrenders demonstrated the impact of the military’s multi-dimensional approach, combining offensive ground operations, precision engagements and disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.
He said the operations had denied terrorists the opportunity to freely manoeuvre, regroup and replenish their supplies.
He claimed that the trend was “more than isolated individual decisions,” characterising it as the result of persistent military pressure and the progressive weakening of terrorist organisation and capability.
Operation Hadin Kai, according to Goni, is still committed to maintaining military pressure while providing channels for individuals who are ready to 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,” he said.
Goni called on the public to support military operations by giving security agencies timely and reliable information.
He also called on terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and take advantage of available surrender channels.
