219 suspected terrorists have surrendered to troops in Borno State the Nigerian Army has said.

The Army Director of Public Relations, Nwachukwu Onyema, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the Nigerian military was more resolute and was intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and sundry crimes in the country.

The statement was titled, ‘Operation Hadin Kai: ISWAP losing momentum as more terrorists surrender with arms and ammunition.’

It read in part, “A total of 186 Boko Haram members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai at Forward Operational Base, Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol, and eight locally fabricated daggers.

“Similarly, on August 15, 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of four adult males, 11 adult females and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua, and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.

“ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament, which has posed a serious negative impact on its prowess.

“It is also worthy of note that the terrorists are overwhelmed with palpable fear and are making desperate efforts to halt the ongoing surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis.

“The Nigerian Military is more resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes in the country.”