Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded a sharp rise in the number of terrorist fighters and associates surrendering across the North East Theatre of Operations, the Nigerian Army said Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), surrenders increased by 213 per cent over the past week compared to the previous one — a trend officials attribute to sustained ground operations, targeted strikes on terrorist positions, and efforts to cut off supply routes and logistics networks.
In the latest development, two senior terrorist members surrendered to troops on Wednesday, handing over arms, ammunition and other military equipment. The Army said the recovered weapons point to weakening cohesion and morale among terrorist ranks, as well as a diminishing ability to retain fighters and sustain long-term operations.
The statement also cited a related incident on August 7, when additional terrorist members surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion at New Abaram in Bama. The Army said that surrender followed both military pressure and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave. Mobile phones and other items were recovered from the group after screening, before they were handed over for further processing.
Military officials described the surrenders as part of a broader pattern rather than isolated cases. Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Theatre Command, said the trend reflects “the cumulative impact of sustained pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion and willingness to continue the fight.”
The Army said its approach combines offensive ground operations, precision strikes, and disruption of supply networks to limit terrorist groups’ ability to regroup and resupply.
The Theatre Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements while keeping surrender channels open for those willing to lay down arms. It urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies and encouraged remaining terrorist fighters to abandon violence.
