In a significant development, terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants across Nigeria have expressed a willingness to surrender to the authorities, says Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a significant development, terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants across Nigeria have expressed a willingness to surrender to the authorities, says Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja.
This announcement follows intensified military operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces aimed at dismantling terrorist groups nationwide. In response, the military has considered opening a “surrendering corridor” to facilitate the process, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
The decision by some terrorist leaders to consider surrender comes as a result of sustained strikes by Nigerian troops. Throughout October, the military conducted precision bombardments on terrorist enclaves across the country. These efforts, led by the Air Force, have significantly undermined the operational capacities of terror groups.
At the bi-weekly briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Thursday, Major General Buba noted, “The terrorists know that they cannot match our military strength. The options open to them are to surrender or be killed on the battlefield.”
He revealed that the military’s October offensive has yielded notable outcomes: “481 terrorists were neutralized, 741 persons suspected of terrorist involvement were apprehended, and 492 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
“Additionally, troops recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including 263 AK-47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, and 91 dane guns, among other weapons,” Gen. Buba disclosed.
He also reported thwarting oil thefts valued at nearly 4 billion naira, seizing over three million liters of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products.
As military operations continue, Gen. Buba expressed the commitment of the Armed Forces to honoring the legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja, who passed away recently. “We will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists,” said Buba, reaffirming the military’s resolve.
He emphasized on the Armed Forces goal of securing Nigeria’s safety, as he assured citizens of their readiness to “kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens.”
According to him, the surrender corridor marks a critical step in Nigeria’s efforts to curb terrorism while also offering a chance for those willing to abandon violence and reintegrate into society.