Hunger, Factional Fighting Force Over 50 Terrorists to Surrender – Military
More than 50 terrorist fighters and their family members have surrendered to troops in Borno State as hunger, hardship and violent clashes between rival factions continue to weaken insurgent groups in the North-East.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General, Michael Onoja, on Friday disclosed this during its monthly press briefing on military operations for October 2026, saying the surrenders were recorded across several communities in the state.
According to the briefing, the surrendered persons came from terrorist enclaves in Bama, Dikwa, Gwoza, Konduga, Mafa and Monguno Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The military said the former fighters and their family members consistently cited hunger, hardship and violent confrontations between rival terrorist factions as reasons for abandoning their groups.
The development, according to the DMO, reflects growing pressure on terrorist networks as troops sustain offensive operations against their fighters, logistics channels and support structures.
In a related development, a suspected terrorist who surrendered to local security groups at Buni Gari in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on October 17 reportedly disclosed that he was recruited through a social media group in 2024.
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The disclosure highlights the use of online platforms as a possible channel for terrorist recruitment and the need for sustained intelligence and surveillance efforts to identify and disrupt such networks.
The DMO also reported the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators in different parts of Borno and Yobe states during the month.
Suspects were arrested at Tarmuwa and Kanama in Yobe State on October 3, while further arrests were recorded in Benisheikh, Damboa, Gubio, Monguno and Ngurusoye between October 10 and 22.
Between October 23 and 25, troops also arrested a suspected collector of illegal levies imposed by terrorists at Geidam market in Yobe State.
The military said the arrests were part of efforts to dismantle the networks supplying terrorists with logistics, intelligence and other forms of support.
Beyond the arrests and surrenders, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded significant operational gains across Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states during the reporting period.
The briefing said troops neutralised 162 terrorists, arrested 98 and rescued 39 kidnapped persons, while 68 terrorists surrendered during the month.
Among the major engagements was the repelling of an attempted ISWAP infiltration of Kukawa town in Borno State between October 6 and 7. The operation, supported by the Air Component, resulted in the killing of 25 terrorists and the recovery of rifles, ammunition and explosive devices.
The military said it would sustain operations against terrorist groups and their support networks as part of efforts to restore security and facilitate the return of normal activities in affected communities.
By PRNigeria
