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Over 124,000 terrorists, dependents surrender in three years — Tinubu

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • President Bola Tinubu announced that over 124,000 terrorists and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
  • The administration has increased military action against remaining insurgent and bandit groups nationwide.
  • Tinubu highlighted these figures as evidence of a strategy combining military pressure with reintegration programs for those renouncing violence.

President Bola Tinubu revealed on Friday that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor. This disclosure came during his national address commemorating Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day.

Tinubu stated that his administration is intensifying military pressure on remaining insurgent and bandit networks across the country. He framed the significant number of surrenders as a testament to a dual-track security approach. This strategy combines robust military operations with pathways for reintegration for individuals willing to renounce violence.

The president linked these security gains to broader achievements under his administration's security agenda. This agenda includes a record N5.41 trillion security budget for 2026, the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers, and a strategic shift towards precision targeting. These actions have reportedly degraded the ISWAP command center in Arege, Borno State, and led to the elimination of senior commanders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint Nigeria-U.S. operation.

We keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

— President Bola TinubuDuring his national address to mark Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.