SUNTV Global Channel
National Security
ABUJA, NIGERIA
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expanded its surrender programme to include armed groups operating in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, urging militants across the country to voluntarily lay down their arms in the interest of national peace and security.
The announcement was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a media briefing in Abuja. He explained that the policy, previously associated with Boko Haram, ISWAP insurgents, and armed bandit groups operating in northern Nigeria, will now apply to non-state armed groups across all theatres of military operations nationwide.
According to Major General Onoja, individuals who voluntarily surrender will be received in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, International Humanitarian Law, and the Geneva Conventions before being handed over to the appropriate legal authorities for necessary legal processes.
He also clarified that there is no deadline for surrender, stressing that while the military remains open to receiving fighters who renounce violence, security forces will continue to intensify offensive operations against criminal elements across the country.
The announcement follows recent operations under Operation UDO KA in the South-East, where troops recorded the voluntary surrender of suspected militants. Military authorities said security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four locally fabricated firearms after one suspect led troops to the group’s armoury.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops also recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and an improvised explosive device (IED), underscoring ongoing efforts to dismantle armed criminal networks.
The Nigerian Army said the recent surrenders reflect the impact of sustained military offensives, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with other security agencies in encouraging fighters to abandon violence.
The South-East has experienced persistent insecurity in recent years, with attacks targeting security personnel, government facilities, and civilians. Through Operation UDO KA, the military says it remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegal weapons, and restoring lasting peace across the region.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that the surrender programme is now open to eligible armed groups nationwide, while military operations against those who continue to engage in violence will be sustained.
