Sustained military offensives by troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to weaken terrorist networks in Nigeria’s North East, leading to the voluntary surrender of 17 family members linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in separate operations across Borno State.
The military said the latest development underscored the growing impact of its intensified counterterrorism campaign, which has continued to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt logistics routes and reduce the operational capacity of insurgent groups within the theatre.
According to the Joint Task Force, the first surrender occurred at about 9:15 a.m. on August 4, when troops of the 222 Battalion conducting a domination patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area received 16 family members of JAS who voluntarily laid down their allegiance to the terrorist group.
The group comprised 10 women and six children. During preliminary debriefing, the individuals disclosed that the relentless military offensive against terrorist hideouts compelled them to abandon the insurgents and seek safety under military protection.
Troops also recovered a total of ₦92,000 from the surrendered individuals during the initial screening process.
In a related development, at about 12:04 p.m. on the same day, an 11-year-old family member associated with JAS voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion under Sector 1 in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military authorities said the minor equally attributed the decision to surrender to the sustained operational pressure being mounted by troops against terrorist elements across the North East, describing the ongoing offensive as a major factor forcing insurgents and their families out of hiding.
The surrendered persons are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary profiling, security screening and debriefing. The military said they would subsequently be handed over to the appropriate government agencies for comprehensive profiling, rehabilitation where applicable and other administrative procedures in line with established national guidelines.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that the latest surrender further reflected the effectiveness of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure, severing communication and supply networks, and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the theatre of operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive offensives against terrorist groups in the North East, stressing that troops would continue to dominate key operational areas, maintain relentless pressure on insurgent strongholds and encourage the safe, voluntary surrender of those willing to renounce terrorism through approved procedures.