Terrorist Surrenders Rise 213% as Military Pressure Intensifies in North-East

The Nigerian military says sustained operations against terrorist groups in the North-East have resulted in a 213 per cent increase in the number of fighters and associates surrendering to troops over the past week.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement signed by its Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the military, the increase followed intensified ground operations, attacks on identified terrorist positions and efforts to disrupt logistics and supply routes across the theatre.

The military said the growing number of surrenders indicates that sustained pressure is affecting the morale, cohesion and operational capacity of terrorist groups operating in the region.

The military also reported that two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops on Wednesday, bringing arms, ammunition and other military equipment with them.

The recovered weapons, according to the statement, further demonstrate the impact of ongoing military operations on terrorist networks and their ability to sustain prolonged activities.

The military said the development could also point to growing difficulties within terrorist ranks in retaining fighters and maintaining their operational structures.

In a separate development, troops of 202 Battalion in Bama received the surrender of additional terrorist members at New Abaram on August 7.

The military attributed the surrender to sustained operations as well as internal disagreements within the terrorist group.

The individuals were subsequently screened, while troops recovered mobile phones and other items from them before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.

Operation HADIN KAI said the increasing frequency of surrenders was a reflection of its multi-dimensional strategy, combining offensive ground operations, targeted engagements and disruption of terrorist logistics.

The military maintained that denying terrorist groups the ability to move freely, regroup and replenish supplies was gradually weakening their operational capabilities.

It said the objective remained to degrade terrorist networks, restore security and create conditions for lasting peace across the North-East.

The Theatre Command also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

It further urged terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and make use of established channels for surrender.

The latest development comes as military operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements continue across parts of Borno and other North-East states.