Amid sustained military offensives combining Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes with ground operations, several high-profile terrorist leaders in the North Central region have surrendered, including notorious kingpins Yellow Jambross and Yellow Ibrahim.

Other surrendering leaders include Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Gana’e, and Babangida.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the developments, attributing the surrender to intensified military pressure and strategic non-kinetic engagement with stakeholders.

In the past week, troops neutralized 135 terrorists, arrested 185 suspects, and rescued 129 kidnapped victims. In the fight against oil theft, security forces arrested 61 perpetrators and prevented theft of crude oil and by-products worth approximately ?889.23 million.

Troops seized 113 weapons, including 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 fabricated rifles, and other arms, along with 2,415 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and over ?732,000 in cash.

North East (Operation Hadin Kai):

Neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 42 suspects, and rescued 17 hostages in Borno and Yobe states.

Recovered 29 AK-47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, and assorted ammunition during operations in Bama, Mafa, and Gwoza LGAs.

North Central (Operation Safe Haven):

Neutralized 6 violent extremists, arrested 34 suspects, and rescued 28 hostages.

A notorious gunrunner was apprehended in Plateau State.

North West (Operation Hararin Daji):

Neutralized 59 terrorists and arrested 26 suspects. Troops rescued 34 hostages and seized weapons, motorcycles, and communication devices.

Niger Delta (Operation Delta Safe):

Destroyed 82 illegal refining sites, 93 crude oil cooking ovens, and recovered over 900,000 liters of stolen crude oil.

Rescued 6 hostages and arrested 30 suspected oil thieves.

South East (Operation Udoka):

Neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 11 suspects, and rescued 8 hostages.

Troops dismantled IPOB/ESN hideouts in Imo and Abia states, recovering rifles, ammunition, and motorcycles.

Airstrikes Against Notorious Enclaves

Air components targeted terrorist hideouts in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and other states, neutralizing several insurgents and destroying their facilities.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining operational momentum. “We remain in a winning position in the war and will continue to find innovative solutions to tackle the nation’s security challenges,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the military remains resolute in restoring peace and stability nationwide. (Vanguard)