MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The Nigerian military has recorded a 213 percent surge in terrorist fighters and their associates surrendering to troops in the North East within a single week. This increase follows intensified operations by troops under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which aims to degrade terrorist capabilities and disrupt their supply lines.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), stated on Wednesday that the operations involved coordinated ground actions and engagements against identified terrorist positions. He noted that the surge in surrenders reflects a growing willingness among fighters to abandon their activities and submit to established procedures.

Goni highlighted that the recovery of arms, ammunition, and military items from two high-profile terrorists who surrendered on Wednesday further underscores the impact of sustained military pressure. He indicated that this pressure is affecting the morale and operational sustainability of terrorist groups, diminishing their capacity to retain fighters and sustain prolonged operations.

In a related development, other terrorist members surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion in Bama on August 7 at New Abaram. These surrenders were attributed to ongoing military operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist groups. The individuals were screened, and mobile phones and other items were recovered before they were handed over for further processing.

The military views the increasing frequency of surrenders as a demonstration of the effectiveness of its multi-dimensional approach. This strategy combines offensive ground operations, precision engagements, and the systematic disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks. By restricting the movement and resupply capabilities of terrorists, troops are limiting their operational options and undermining their ability to continue activities.

Goni described the trend as the cumulative effect of sustained military pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion, and the will to fight. Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to maintaining this pressure while providing channels for those who choose to surrender. The ultimate objective is to further degrade terrorist capabilities, restore security, and foster lasting peace and stability in the North East.

The Theatre Command urged the public to support ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies. It also encouraged terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and utilize the available surrender channels.