958 insurgents, families surrender in North-East – Theatre Commander
The Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says 958 insurgents and their family members have surrendered to troops across the region this year.
Abubakar disclosed this on Wednesday during an interaction with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said the figure formed part of the sustained mass surrender of insurgents recorded since 2021, bringing the cumulative number to 152,864 insurgents and their families.
According to him, the figure comprises 20,815 active male fighters, 37,095 women and 64,114 children.
“The steady increase in surrenders is a direct result of sustained military pressure, degradation of terrorist capabilities and effective non-kinetic measures,” he said.
The theatre commander said many of those who surrendered cited operational pressure from troops, collapse of their command structures and worsening living conditions within insurgent enclaves as reasons for their decision.
He added that all surrendered persons undergo detailed screening and debriefing processes to generate intelligence for ongoing operations.
“Information obtained from the debriefing of these individuals has significantly enhanced our operational planning and contributed to recent successes in the theatre,” he said.
Abubakar also highlighted the role of the Borno State Government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration initiative, popularly known as the “Borno Model”, in encouraging more fighters to surrender.
According to him, the programme, implemented in collaboration with local and international partners, provides a structured pathway for repentant insurgents to disengage from violence and reintegrate into society.
“This initiative, which emphasises dialogue and community engagement, has continued to serve as a catalyst for the ongoing surrender of insurgents and their families,” he said.
Abubakar said collaboration with community leaders and humanitarian organisations had helped to build trust and confidence among those willing to lay down their arms.
He said the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies remained critical in weakening insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and their affiliates.
Despite the progress recorded, the theatre commander said sustained efforts were required to prevent relapse and consolidate gains achieved so far.
“The fight is not over. We must sustain pressure on the remaining elements while strengthening stabilisation and reintegration efforts,” he said.
Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of troops under Operation Hadin Kai to restoring lasting peace and security in the North-East.
He added that continued collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and development partners would be essential to achieving enduring stability in the region.
