Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the military joint task force operating in Nigeria’s North East, has recorded a dramatic surge in terrorist surrenders, with over 150 commanders, fighters, and affiliates turning themselves in over the past week.
This marks a threefold increase from the previous week, which saw over 50 surrenders. Military officials attribute the sharp rise to sustained, intelligence-led kinetic and non-kinetic operations that have severely crippled the operational capacity and logistics of remaining terrorist enclaves.
In an official statement issued from Headquarters Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, highlighted the mounting pressure facing insurgent groups in the region.
“The significant increase reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging voluntary disengagement from terrorism,” Goni stated.
“The development is a significant indicator of growing pressure within terrorist formations, particularly on their freedom of movement, logistics, sustainment and ability to retain personnel within their enclaves,” he added, noting that surrendering elements also turned in arms and ammunition.
The military emphasised that its comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy combining direct battlefield engagement with strategic communication and civil-military outreach is successfully fracturing insurgent networks and undermining hostile narratives.
“Strategic communication remains central to this effort by conveying credible messages to those willing to abandon terrorism while exposing the consequences of continued association with terrorist groups,” Goni explained. “All persons who surrender are profiled, documented and handled in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.”
Following the operational milestone, the Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience and discipline, directing them to maintain an aggressive posture and deny hostile forces any freedom of action.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mission to sustain pressure on terrorist networks, disrupt their capabilities and support structures, protect civilians and create the conditions necessary for the restoration of lasting peace, security and normalcy across the North East region,” Goni concluded.
Military authorities confirmed that operations will continue at full momentum to exploit the current disarray within terrorist ranks and accelerate voluntary disengagement across the theatre.
