The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed that over 51,000 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, along with their family members, have surrendered as part of the non-kinetic approach implemented by the country’s armed forces.
This was disclosed during a national security course on “Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication” organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized the effectiveness of non-kinetic operations, citing that the approach had led to the surrender of over 51,000 terrorists and their family members from July 2021 to May 4, 2022.
This approach, under Operation Safe Corridor, has been instrumental in addressing the ongoing security challenges faced by the nation.
Gen. Musa highlighted the success of deradicalization efforts, revealing that 1,543 repentant terrorists graduated from the Mallam Sidi Camp in Gombe State.
Additionally, a staggering 1,935 individuals were released from the Bulumkutu camp in Borno State between 2016 and 2022, following their completion of deradicalization programs.
The CDS, represented by Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, Director of Training, Defence Headquarters, underscored that the military remains committed to the non-kinetic approach as a crucial component of its strategy.
The theme of the national security course, “Winning Hearts and Minds for National Cohesion and Development,” echoes the importance placed on fostering unity and progress within the nation.
Providing insight into the scale of surrenders, Gen. Musa disclosed that from July 2021 to May 4, 2022, 13,360 surrendered individuals were fighters, contributing to a total of 106,000 terrorists and their family members who have so far surrendered in the North East region.
