The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported a significant increase in the number of terrorists surrendering to military forces, particularly in the north-central region.
In a weekly operational update on Saturday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, confirmed that several high-ranking terrorist leaders and commanders have laid down their arms.
Notably, among those surrendering is Yellow Jambros, a notorious kidnap kingpin who was previously reported dead following a military airstrike.
This has raised questions, as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had claimed to have neutralized him nearly a year ago during an operation in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. Despite this, Buba included Jambros’ name in the list of high-profile figures who have surrendered, along with Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.
Buba attributed the increasing surrenders to the military’s non-kinetic approach, which includes collaboration with local stakeholders to encourage militants to embrace peace. The strategy seems to be paying off, with more insurgents reportedly showing interest in surrendering.
Regarding the surrender of Yellow Jambros, Buba explained, “These surrenders are occasioned by overtures from the terrorist leadership based on troops’ onslaught against them. Accordingly, several terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants have so far surrendered, with more indicating interest to follow suit.”
In addition to the surrender of terrorists, the update highlighted the military’s continued success in combatting insurgency and other criminal activities. Over the past week, troops killed at least 135 terrorists and arrested 185 suspects. Furthermore, 129 kidnapped hostages were rescued, and 61 oil thieves were apprehended.
The military also seized a significant amount of illicit weapons and equipment. Among the recoveries were 113 assorted weapons, 2,415 rounds of ammunition, 15 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, and 28 mobile phones. In the Niger Delta region, troops destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks, and 82 illegal refining sites. They also recovered 909,800 liters of stolen crude oil, 71,060 liters of illegally refined AGO (automotive gas oil), and 13,580 liters of PMS (premium motor spirit).
Buba expressed confidence in the military’s continued success, stating, “The army remains in a winning position in the war against insurgency and terrorism.” He emphasized that the operations will persist, with a focus on neutralizing remaining terrorist forces and facilitating further surrenders.
