The Defence Headquarters has expanded its surrender policy for non-state actors nationwide.

Previously limited largely to terrorists and bandits operating in the North-East, North-West and North-Central, the policy now extends to armed groups in the South-East, South-South and South-West.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while responding to questions on the recent surrender of some militants to troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East.

Asked whether the surrender option had now been extended beyond insurgency-ravaged regions, Onoja replied, “Yes. They are welcome to surrender.

“The AFN will receive them in line with international law and other Geneva Conventions and transfer them to the relevant legal authorities for necessary action.

“The Armed Forces continues to act in line with its rules of engagement, International Humanitarian Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On whether there was a deadline for non-state actors wishing to lay down their arms, the defence spokesman said there was none.

“No. They are allowed to surrender any time they wish to. However, military kinetic operation is being intensified,” he said.

The development comes days after the Nigerian Army announced that sustained military operations under Operation Udo Ka had compelled members of a militant group in the South-East to voluntarily surrender their weapons.

The Army said troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East recovered an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms after one of the suspects led troops to the group’s armoury.

In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops also recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and an improvised explosive device.

The military described the voluntary surrender as evidence that sustained offensive operations, strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies were weakening criminal networks and encouraging fighters to renounce violence.

The South-East has witnessed persistent insecurity in recent years, including attacks on security personnel, government facilities and civilians by armed groups.

In response, the military launched Operation UDO KA to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across the region.

Until now, the military’s surrender programme had largely been associated with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in the North-East, as well as bandits and other armed groups operating in parts of the North-West and North-Central.

Tuesday’s announcement signals that the policy now applies to non-state actors in other theatres of operation, including the South-East. (The PUNCH)

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