The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that 331 insurgents and their family members surrendered to troops in the third quarter of 2026, citing hunger and harsh living conditions in terrorist enclaves as the primary reasons. Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this information at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters. He stated that over 90 fighters and family members surrendered in September alone.
According to Onoja, the surrendering individuals consistently cited harsh living conditions, hunger, and lack of basic provisions within terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad region. In September, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested suspected logistics suppliers across Borno and Yobe states and seized foodstuffs, medical and veterinary supplies, and other items allegedly meant for the terrorists.
Onoja revealed that over 70 surrenders were recorded at various locations, including Monguno, Pulka, Gwoza, Dikwa, Bama, and Ngala, during September. A fighter surrendered an AK-47 rifle, a hand grenade, and an improvised explosive device (IED) at Benisheikh on September 13. Additionally, two Boko Haram fighters from the Bula Daloye enclave in Bama Local Government Area surrendered with three AK-47 rifles on September 17.
Further surrenders were recorded at Bama, Monguno, and along the Kuranabasa axis in Gwoza on September 25 and 26. One of the latest escapees fled an ISWAP camp at Kolorom Village, near Jubilaram in the Lake Chad region, before surrendering. Troops also rescued 44 family members of terrorists, comprising 13 women and 31 children, at Konduga on September 24, who fled their enclaves amid clashes between rival terrorist factions.
Operation HADIN KAI troops neutralized 27 fighters, arrested 49, and rescued 103 kidnapped victims in September. Cumulatively, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 273 terrorist fighters, arrested 348 terrorists, and rescued 297 kidnapped victims during the third quarter, while 331 insurgents and their families surrendered. Onoja attributed the trend to sustained military pressure and disruption of logistics networks.
Beyond the North East, troops sustained operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft nationwide. In the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops rescued 171 kidnapped victims and arrested 26 terrorists in September. An air operation in Kebbi State on September 17 disrupted terrorists moving a large number of captives, enabling more than 60 victims to escape.
The military will sustain kinetic and non-kinetic operations to consolidate gains, according to Onoja. The operations will continue to address various security challenges across the country, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The surrender of 331 insurgents and family members demonstrates the impact of sustained military pressure and disruption of logistics networks.
Key points
- 331 insurgents and family members surrendered to Nigerian troops in Q3 2026 due to hunger and harsh living conditions.
- Troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 273 terrorist fighters, arrested 348, and rescued 297 kidnapped victims in Q3 2026.
- The military will sustain operations to address various security challenges nationwide.
