At the 18th Africa Security Watch Initiative (SWAI) Conference in Doha, Qatar, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed that 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to security forces between July 2024 and December 2024.
The figure, comprising 30,426 fighters, 36,774 women, and 62,265 children, underscores significant progress in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and efforts toward fostering a peaceful society conducive to socio-economic development.
L-R: Brigadier General Eric Angaye (Rtd), Bayelsa State Security Coordinator and Coordinator, Bayelsa Community Safety Corps; Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Security Watch Africa Initiatives, Prof. Henri Fouche; Patrick Agbambu, President/CEO, Security Watch Africa Initiatives; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; 21st Indigenous Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd) CFR; Katsina State Deputy Governor, H.E Faruk Lawal Jobe; and Foday Malang, Ambassador of The Gambia to Qatar at the ongoing 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar…yesterday
Speaking on the theme, “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security,” General Musa attributed the high number of surrenders to the military’s integration of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies under Operation HADIN KAI.
“The increasingly frequent surrenders signify the fruitful impact of our comprehensive approach. We have made significant progress in fostering a peaceful society that guarantees improved socio-economic conditions for our citizens,” General Musa said in his presentation titled “The Nexus Between Citizen’s Socio-Economic Development and National Defence.”
He also highlighted the military’s contributions to national stability, including increased oil production, reduced attacks on vulnerable communities, and innovative operational strategies.
The conference drew high-profile participants, including Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), who emphasized purposeful leadership as a cornerstone of effective security measures. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief of Naval Staff, he shared how a focus on personnel welfare underpinned the Navy’s operational successes.
Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, shared insights into Nigeria’s counter-terrorism successes, including 505 convictions secured in five phases of trials and the neutralization of insurgent leaders like Abubakar Shekau. He praised regional collaborations, legislative reforms, and deradicalization programs such as Operation SAFE CORRIDOR for their roles in combating terrorism.
Mr. Patrick Agbambu, President of Security Watch Africa Initiative, emphasized the link between national defense and socio-economic growth, calling for continued adaptation of strategies to achieve lasting peace in Africa.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, highlighted his administration’s commitment to people-centric governance through the ASSURED Prosperity agenda, which prioritizes peace, security, and economic development for Bayelsans.
The 18th SWAI Conference reinforced the importance of multi-pronged strategies in combating insecurity while emphasizing the integration of security efforts with socio-economic initiatives for sustainable development.