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Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State revealed that approximately 160,000 Boko Haram insurgents and their families have surrendered following the non-kinetic efforts of the Nigerian Military.

Zulum made this disclosure during an operational visit by the defence minister alongside the service chiefs to the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

Seeking the military’s support in manpower development to aid in curtailing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across borders, the governor stressed the significance of security in the northeast region for the nation’s stability, particularly due to porous borders with Niger, Cameroon, and Chad Republics.

Emphasizing the importance of preventing safe havens for ISWAP in the northeast, Zulum highlighted the region’s increasing significance as a major problem in the Sahel.

The governor’s visit aimed to demonstrate the service chiefs’ commitment to achieving lasting peace in the state, attributing the improved security situation to the troops’ successful efforts.

Zulum cautioned against sensational security reportage, pointing out how insurgents leverage such information despite their diminishing capacity.

Stakeholders’ reports from various parts of the state confirmed the return of peace, as personally witnessed by the governor during his extensive visits throughout the state in the last two weeks.

While commending President Tinubu and the military for sustaining the improved security situation, Zulum urged ongoing efforts to root out the remnants of the terrorists, stressing the need for continued and sustained military operations to degrade their presence.

In a separate statement, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, mentioned the delegation’s visit to assess the security situation in the theatre of operation, which was assigned by President Bola Tinubu. The high-level delegation engaged in discussions with Governor Babagana Zulum, sharing strategies with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to address the insecurity.

Stressing their resolve to end the insecurity in the state, the minister reiterated the president’s commitment to support the military and security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and ensure the sustainable resettlement of displaced persons. He also expressed their intention to visit the troops, thanking and recognizing their sacrifices, while also addressing their challenges and needs.

The minister commended Zulum’s support for the military, acknowledging the risks involved in providing courage and support to personnel on the frontline.

Accompanying the Minister of Defence were the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.