In a significant shift in Nigeria’s long-running war on terror, the Nigerian military has welcomed 129,417 repentant Boko Haram fighters and their families back into society.
This figure, announced by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represents a historic surrender of 30,426 fighters, 36,774 women, and 62,265 children between July 2023 and December 2024.
The announcement, made during the 18th Africa Security Watch Initiative (SWAI) Conference in Doha, Qatar, has sparked both hope and controversy. The Chief of Defence Staff hailed the large number of surrenders as evidence of the military’s successful approach in tackling terrorism.
“These surrenders are a testament to the Nigerian military’s effectiveness in combatting terrorism and promoting a safer, more stable society,” General Musa stated.
The ongoing battle against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups in Nigeria has resulted in significant violence, but recent developments have suggested a change in strategy is yielding results. General Musa attributed the surrender of thousands of insurgents to a combination of military force and non-violent methods, primarily through Operation HADIN KAI, which integrates both kinetic (military action) and non-kinetic (deradicalization and rehabilitation) approaches.
He emphasized that the increasing number of surrenders reflects the success of these tactics in addressing not just the violence but also the social and economic conditions that fuel terrorism.
“We have made significant progress in creating a peaceful environment that fosters socio-economic growth for our citizens,” said Musa, underscoring the broader benefits of peace for national development.
Repentant Boko Haram Fighters: A Glimpse of Hope for Peace?
The surrender of over 129,000 individuals, including fighters, women, and children, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s war on terror. Many of those surrendering are former fighters who once terrorized the northeastern part of the country, but some are also non-combatants—women and children—who were caught up in the conflict.
The Nigerian military’s announcement is part of an ongoing effort to rehabilitate and reintegrate former fighters back into society. As part of these efforts, the military has implemented programs like Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, which helps deradicalize former terrorists and provide them with education and job skills.
The massive number of surrenders indicates that more insurgents are choosing to lay down their arms, possibly as a result of mounting pressure from the military and the realization that Boko Haram’s cause is increasingly untenable.
In his speech at the SWAI conference, General Musa outlined how these surrenders align with broader efforts to ensure national security and stability. He mentioned the positive impacts of the military’s operations, which have not only neutralized key insurgent leaders like Abubakar Shekau but also increased oil production and reduced attacks on vulnerable communities.
Security Achievements and Challenges
Despite the successes, Nigeria’s battle with Boko Haram is far from over. While the surrender of terrorists is a promising development, security experts remain cautious about what the future holds. Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, reflected on Nigeria’s recent counter-terrorism accomplishments.
“The neutralization of key insurgent leaders and the conviction of 505 terrorists across five trial phases are notable milestones,” Laka said.
However, Laka also stressed the importance of continued collaboration with regional partners and the need for ongoing deradicalization efforts to prevent a resurgence of terrorism.
“While we celebrate our successes, we must remain vigilant,” he warned. “Terrorism is a global issue, and it requires coordinated, sustained efforts.”
