The Defence Headquarters has expanded its surrender policy for non-state armed groups across Nigeria, extending the initiative to the South-East, South-South and South-West.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed in Abuja that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will now accept the surrender of armed groups operating in all theatres of operation, not just insurgents and bandits in the North-East, North-West and North-Central.
Responding to questions about the recent surrender of militants to troops under Operation Udo Ka in the South-East, Onoja said those willing to lay down their arms would be received in line with international law and the Geneva Conventions before being handed over to the appropriate legal authorities.
He also clarified that there is no deadline for fighters to surrender voluntarily, stressing that they can do so at any time. However, he added that military operations against armed groups are being intensified across the country.
The announcement follows the Nigerian Army’s disclosure that sustained operations under Operation Udo Ka prompted members of a militant group in the South-East to surrender voluntarily.
Troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East reportedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally made firearms after one suspect led soldiers 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 said the voluntary surrender demonstrates that sustained offensive operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies are weakening criminal networks and encouraging fighters to abandon violence.
The South-East has experienced persistent insecurity in recent years, including attacks on security personnel, government facilities and civilians. Operation Udo Ka was launched to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in the region.
Until now, the military’s surrender programme had mainly focused on Boko Haram, ISWAP fighters and bandits operating in northern Nigeria. Tuesday’s announcement marks its expansion to armed groups in other parts of the country.
