The Defence Headquarters has reported a significant increase in the number of terrorists surrendering to Nigerian troops, particularly in the north-central region.
This development is being credited to the military’s intensified operations and collaborative peace efforts with local communities.
During a briefing on Saturday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, revealed that high-profile terrorist leaders and commanders were among those laying down their arms.
Among the notable figures is Yellow Jambros, a notorious kidnap kingpin previously declared killed in a military airstrike nearly a year ago.
Other terrorists who have surrendered include Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (also known as Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.
Buba noted that these surrenders follow relentless military onslaughts and peace overtures facilitated by troops in collaboration with local stakeholders.
However, the surrender of Yellow Jambros has raised questions, as the Nigerian Air Force had previously claimed to have neutralized him in December 2023.
The airstrike reportedly occurred in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State during Operation Whirl Punch.
Despite this, Jambros is now said to have surrendered voluntarily under the pressure of military operations.
“These surrenders are the result of intensified military offensives combined with non-kinetic approaches aimed at encouraging militants to embrace peace,” Buba said.
“More terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants are expressing interest in surrendering as a result.”
The Nigerian Armed Forces also highlighted their continued operational success over the past week.
According to Buba, troops eliminated at least 135 terrorists, arrested 185 suspects, and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages.
Additionally, they apprehended 61 suspected oil thieves and dismantled numerous illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
The troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and resources, including 113 assorted weapons, over 2,400 rounds of ammunition, 15 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, and nearly a million litres of stolen crude oil.
Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgents and criminal elements.
“The troops will sustain this operational tempo to force further surrenders or eliminate remaining threats,” he stated confidently.
