The Nigerian military has reported a 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists and their associates surrendering to troops in the North-East over the past week.
The development follows sustained operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, which have targeted terrorist positions while disrupting their logistics and supply networks across the region.
According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-East), coordinated ground operations and attacks on identified terrorist positions contributed to the increase in surrenders.
He said the surge reflected a growing willingness among terrorist fighters and their associates to abandon violence and submit to established surrender procedures.
Two high-profile terrorist members also surrendered to troops, bringing arms, ammunition and other military equipment with them. The military said the recovery of the items further demonstrated the impact of sustained pressure on terrorist groups.
Goni said other terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on August 7 at New Abaram, following continued military operations and internal disagreements within their group.
The military said the increasing number of surrenders indicates that its combined strategy of offensive operations, targeted engagements and disruption of terrorist supply networks is weakening the groups' ability to operate effectively.
Operation HADIN KAI, it added, will continue to maintain pressure on terrorist elements while providing channels for those willing to surrender.
The Theatre Command urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
It also called on terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and make use of available surrender channels in the interest of peace and stability in the North-East.
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