DHQ Reopens Surrender Window for South-East Gunmen

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expanded its surrender policy for non-state armed groups across the country, extending the initiative to the South-East, South-South and South-West.

The policy, which was previously associated with terrorists and bandits operating in the North-East, North-West and North-Central, now applies to armed groups in other regions as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

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

Asked whether the surrender programme had been extended beyond northern theatres of operation, Onoja confirmed that it now covers all regions of the country.

“Yes. They are welcome to surrender. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will receive them in line with international law and the Geneva Conventions and transfer them to the relevant legal authorities for necessary action,” he said.

He added that military operations would continue to comply with the Constitution, the Armed Forces’ rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.

On whether there was a deadline for armed groups wishing to surrender, Onoja said there was none.

“They are allowed to surrender any time they wish to. However, military kinetic operations are being intensified,” he stated.

The announcement follows the Nigerian Army’s disclosure that sustained operations under Operation UDO KA had compelled members of an armed group in the South-East to voluntarily lay down their arms.

According to the Army, troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms after one of the suspects led security personnel to the group’s armoury.

In another intelligence-led operation, troops also recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of ammunition and an improvised explosive device.

The military described the recent surrenders as evidence that sustained offensive operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies are weakening criminal networks and encouraging fighters to abandon violence.

The DHQ said the expanded surrender policy complements ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling armed groups and restoring lasting peace across affected parts of Nigeria.