The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has formally extended its surrender policy to armed groups in southern Nigeria, a significant departure from the previous focus on the North. The announcement, made on Monday, August 3, 2026, in Abuja, confirms that non-state actors in the South-East, South-South, and South-West are now welcome to lay down their arms.
Policy Expanded Beyond the North
Maj Gen Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will receive surrendering fighters in line with international law and the Geneva Conventions. He emphasized that individuals who surrender will be transferred to relevant legal authorities for necessary action.
“Yes. They are welcome to surrender. The AFN will receive them in line with international law and other Geneva Conventions and transfer them to the relevant legal authorities for necessary action,” Onoja said.
No Deadline for Surrender
When asked about a possible time limit for armed groups to surrender, Onoja ruled out any deadline. “No. They are allowed to surrender at any time they wish. However, military kinetic operations are being intensified,” he added.
This policy shift comes after the Nigerian Army reported that sustained pressure under Operation Udo Ka had forced a South-East militant group to voluntarily surrender weapons. Troops of the 82 Division/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 a suspect led soldiers to the group's armoury.
Weapons Recovered in Operations
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, troops seized two General Purpose Machine Guns, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and an improvised explosive device. These recoveries highlight the effectiveness of the military's ongoing operations.
The military characterized the voluntary surrenders as proof that its combination of offensive operations, strategic engagement, and inter-agency cooperation is eroding criminal networks and persuading fighters to renounce violence.
Impact on National Security
Until now, the surrender programme was closely linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters in the North-East, alongside bandits in the North-West and North-Central. The DHQ's statement confirms the policy now covers all active theatres of operation nationwide.
The South-East has faced persistent insecurity, with armed groups attacking security personnel, government facilities, and civilians. Operation Udo Ka was launched to dismantle these networks and restore order in the region.
Recent Attacks and Response
In a related incident, two police officers were shot dead by gunmen along the Amansea–Ufuma Road in Orumba South local government area of Anambra. The state commissioner of police, Ikioye Orutugu, declared ‘Operation Fish Them Out’ during an emergency meeting.
A tricycle rider who witnessed the attack abandoned his vehicle and later discovered the two lifeless bodies lying beside their patrol van. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region.
