Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, theatre commander of the North‑East Joint Task Force’s Operation Hadin Kai, announced on Wednesday that 958 insurgents and family members have surrendered across the region this year. The figure, disclosed during a press briefing in Maiduguri, is part of an ongoing trend that began in 2021. Since then, a total of 152,864 insurgents and their relatives have laid down arms, according to the commander.
Of the cumulative surrenderees, 20,815 are identified as active male combatants, 37,095 are women, and 64,114 are children. Abdulsalam attributed the steady rise in surrenders to sustained military pressure, the weakening of terrorist capabilities, and the impact of non‑kinetic measures such as dialogue and community engagement.
“The growing number of surrenders results directly from continuous operational pressure, the collapse of insurgent command structures, and deteriorating living conditions within their enclaves,” Abdulsalam said. He noted that every individual who surrenders undergoes a thorough screening and debriefing process, which yields actionable intelligence that has sharpened the task force’s operational planning and contributed to recent successes on the ground.
The commander highlighted the role of the Borno government’s deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme – commonly referred to as the “Borno Model.” Developed in partnership with local and international stakeholders, the initiative offers a structured pathway for repentant fighters to disengage from violence and re‑enter civilian life. “The emphasis on dialogue and community engagement has been a catalyst for the continued surrender of insurgents and their families,” he said.
Collaboration with community leaders and humanitarian organisations, Abdulsalam added, has helped build trust among those willing to abandon militancy. He stressed that a combination of kinetic (military) and non‑kinetic (rehabilitation, dialogue) strategies remains essential for weakening Boko Haram and its affiliates.
While acknowledging the encouraging surrender figures, Abdulsalam warned that sustained effort is required to prevent relapse and consolidate gains. “The fight is not over. We must maintain pressure on remaining elements while strengthening stabilisation and reintegration efforts,” he affirmed.
Operation Hadin Kai’s forces remain committed to restoring lasting peace and security in Nigeria’s north‑east. Continued cooperation among security agencies, government institutions and development partners will be crucial to achieving enduring stability in the region.
