Military offensive triggers 213 percent surge in terrorists’ surrender – Theatre Command
The Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has said sustained military operations by troops have led to a 213 per cent increase in the number of terrorists and their associates surrendering in the North East Theatre of Operations.
The Command said the number of terrorists who surrendered in the past week rose by 213 per cent compared with the preceding week.
In a statement on Wednesday by its Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Command said the surge followed sustained ground operations against terrorist positions and logistics networks across the theatre.
It added that intensified attacks and disruption of supply routes were weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity and cohesion.
“In a further manifestation of this emerging trend, two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops today, bringing with them arms, ammunition and other military items,” the statement said.
The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements.”
The Command said the increasing defections suggested that terrorist groups were finding it increasingly difficult to retain fighters and maintain their operational structures.
The development came days after another group of terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama, Borno State.
The terrorists surrendered on August 7 at New Abaram following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within their enclave.
The military said the group was screened, while mobile phones and other items were recovered before they were handed over for further action in line with established procedures.
The Command attributed the rising number of surrenders to its multidimensional approach, combining offensive ground operations, precision engagements and the disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks.
“The increasing frequency of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the Theatre’s multi-dimensional approach, which combines offensive ground operations, precision engagements and systematic disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks,” the statement said.
By denying terrorists the opportunity to freely maneuver, regroup and replenish, troops continue to restrict their operational options and undermine their ability to sustain terrorist activities.”
The Command said the development represented more than isolated individual decisions, describing it as “the cumulative impact of sustained pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion and willingness to continue the fight.”
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining military pressure on terrorist groups while providing channels for fighters and their associates willing to surrender.
The Command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, while encouraging terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and take advantage of available surrender channels.