12th December, 2024
129,417 Boko Haram Fighters and Families Surrender, Says Defence Chief
Over 129,000 Boko Haram fighters and their family members surrendered to Nigerian troops between July 10 and December 9, according to General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff.
Musa disclosed the figures during a keynote address at the Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference in Doha, Qatar.
His lecture, titled “The Nexus Between Citizens’ Socio-Economic Development and National Defence,” highlighted the military’s achievements in stabilising communities and fostering national development.
Providing a breakdown, Musa revealed that among the 129,417 surrenders, 30,426 were fighters, 36,774 women, and 62,265 children.
He attributed the surge in defections to the military’s integration of kinetic (military force) and non-kinetic (dialogue and rehabilitation) strategies, which had stabilised regions and created an environment for socio-economic growth.
“These frequent surrenders reflect the effectiveness of our comprehensive approach. We’ve made significant strides in building a peaceful society that supports better socio-economic conditions for citizens. While challenges persist, our situation has improved markedly since mid-2023,” Musa stated.
He also noted the armed forces’ success in boosting oil production, reducing attacks on vulnerable communities, and enhancing stability through innovative operational strategies.
These achievements, he said, result from a recalibrated military approach combining combat operations with community-focused initiatives.
Additionally, Major General Adamu Laka, Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, outlined progress in prosecuting terrorists.
Speaking through retired Brigadier General Sani Usman, he revealed that five phases of trials had yielded 505 convictions, with a sixth phase underway.
Laka described Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts as a journey of resilience and adaptation in the face of ongoing challenges.
Meanwhile, retired Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, former Chief of Naval Staff, stressed the importance of leadership in fostering peace and security.
Speaking on “Leadership as an Agent of Positive Change in Security,” Gambo highlighted the transformative impact of prioritising personnel welfare and collective strength during his tenure, which significantly enhanced naval operations and national security.
