The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded a 202 per cent week-on-week increase in the number of terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates surrendering to troops in the North-East.
The latest figure rose from more than 50 surrendering terrorists in the previous week to over 150 in the current week, in what the military described as an unprecedented surge.
According to the Theatre Command, the development reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging members of the groups to abandon terrorism.
The military said the rising number of surrenders was a significant indication of growing pressure within terrorist formations, particularly their diminishing freedom of movement, disrupted logistics and reduced ability to sustain personnel in their enclaves.
The recovery of weapons and ammunition from some of the surrendering terrorists, the military added, further demonstrated the impact of sustained operations against the groups.
The Theatre Command attributed the development to the comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy adopted by Operation HADIN KAI, which combines intelligence-driven military operations with strategic communication, civil-military engagement and other non-kinetic measures.
According to the statement, the approach has helped disrupt terrorist activities and support networks, weaken hostile narratives and encourage more members of the groups to disengage.
Strategic communication, the military noted, remains an important component of the campaign by delivering credible messages to individuals willing to abandon terrorism while highlighting the consequences of continued association with terrorist groups.
The Theatre Command said all persons who surrender are profiled and documented and handled in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.
It added that the current momentum would be sustained to encourage further defections and weaken the recruitment and support mechanisms of terrorist organisations.
The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience, discipline and operational effectiveness, urging them to maintain the pressure on terrorist elements across the theatre.
The military said Operation HADIN KAI remained committed to disrupting terrorist networks and their support structures, protecting civilians and creating conditions for the restoration of lasting peace and normalcy in the North-East.
“The Theatre will continue to exploit the current momentum to encourage further disengagement and weaken terrorist recruitment and sustainment mechanisms,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on August 24, 2026.
