The Defence Headquarters has announced that its surrender programme for non-state armed groups is now available across the country, extending the initiative to the South-East, South-South and South-West.
The policy, which had previously been associated mainly with Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and bandits operating in the North-East, North-West and North-Central, will now apply to armed groups in other theatres of military operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed the development in Abuja on Monday while responding to questions on the recent surrender of suspected militants to troops of Operation Udo Ka in the South-East.
Asked whether the military had expanded the surrender option beyond areas affected by insurgency and banditry, Onoja answered in the affirmative.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria would receive any individual or group willing to lay down their arms and process them in accordance with the law.
"They are welcome to surrender. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will receive them in line with international law and the Geneva Conventions before transferring them to the appropriate legal authorities for necessary action," he said.
Onoja stressed that military personnel would continue to conduct operations in line with the Constitution, international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.
He also dismissed suggestions that the military had fixed a deadline for armed groups to take advantage of the surrender window.
"There is no deadline. They can surrender whenever they decide to do so. At the same time, kinetic operations against criminal elements are being intensified," he said.
The announcement came shortly after the Nigerian Army reported that ongoing operations under Operation Udo Ka had resulted in the voluntary surrender of members of an armed group in the South-East.
According to the Army, troops of the 82 Division and Joint Task Force South-East recovered an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four locally fabricated firearms after one of the suspects led soldiers to the group's armoury.
In a separate intelligence-led mission, troops recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and an improvised explosive device.
The Army described the development as a sign that sustained military offensives, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies were disrupting criminal networks and persuading some fighters to renounce violence.
The South-East has continued to experience security challenges marked by attacks on security operatives, public infrastructure and civilians by armed groups. In response, the military launched Operation Udo Ka to curb violent activities and restore peace across the region.
With the latest directive from the Defence Headquarters, the military has effectively broadened its surrender policy beyond the northern conflict zones, making it applicable to non-state actors operating in every region where the Armed Forces are conducting security operations.
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