Military extends surrender policy to South-East gunmen, other armed groups nationwide

The Defence Headquarters has formally widened its surrender initiative for armed non-state actors, opening the programme to militant groups operating in the South-East, South-South and South-West, in addition to insurgents and bandits in the northern parts of the country.

The expanded policy was announced on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, while responding to questions on the recent surrender of suspected militants to troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East.

Speaking on whether the surrender window now covers armed groups beyond the North-East, North-West and North-Central, Onoja confirmed that the opportunity is available nationwide.

“Yes. They are welcome to surrender.

“The AFN will receive them in line with international law and other Geneva Conventions and transfer them to the relevant legal authorities for necessary action.

“The Armed Forces continues to act in line with its rules of engagement, International Humanitarian Law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The defence spokesman also clarified that there is no time limit for fighters willing to lay down their arms, even as military operations continue to intensify across various theatres.

“No. They are allowed to surrender any time they wish to. However, military kinetic operation is being intensified,” he said.

The announcement follows recent disclosures by the Nigerian Army that sustained offensives under Operation UDO KA have begun yielding results, with members of an armed group in the South-East voluntarily surrendering to troops.

According to the Army, one of the suspects subsequently led security operatives to the group’s armoury, where an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms were recovered.

In another intelligence-driven operation, troops reportedly seized two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and an improvised explosive device.

Military authorities described the development as a sign that sustained offensive operations, strategic engagements and collaboration with other security agencies are gradually weakening criminal networks and encouraging armed fighters to abandon violence.

The South-East has experienced prolonged security challenges in recent years, with attacks targeting security personnel, public facilities and civilians. In response, the Armed Forces launched Operation UDO KA to dismantle criminal groups and restore stability across the region.

Until now, the military’s surrender programme had been largely associated with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in the North-East, as well as bandits and other armed groups operating in parts of the North-West and North-Central.

The latest announcement marks a significant expansion of the policy, making the surrender option available to armed non-state actors across other operational theatres, including the South-East.