Daud Olatunji
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has announced that a total of 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members have surrendered to Nigerian security forces within the last six months.
This revelation was made during the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, monitored via Zoom.
The conference, themed “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security,” drew participants from Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Qatar, and was organised by Patrick Agbambu of the Security Watch Africa Initiative.
Providing a breakdown, General Musa disclosed that the surrendered individuals included 30,426 fighters, 36,774 women, and 62,265 children.
He attributed this significant development to the Nigerian Armed Forces’ adoption of integrated kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
“These comprehensive approaches have stabilised communities and created an environment conducive to socio-economic progress,” Musa noted, adding that the trend underscores the Armed Forces’ efforts toward fostering peace and development.
He highlighted the recalibration of military tactics and innovations in operational strategies, citing achievements such as increasing daily oil production, reducing attacks on vulnerable communities, and neutralising high-profile insurgent leaders like Abubakar Shekau.
The CDS also praised the success of initiatives like Operation HADIN KAI and Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, which have supported deradicalisation and rehabilitation efforts.
He credited legislative reforms, such as the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, for providing a robust framework for prosecuting terrorists and disrupting their financial networks.
… Army Retires 656 Senior Officers
In a related development, the Nigerian Armed Forces on Thursday bade farewell to 656 senior non-commissioned officers who retired after 35 years of service.
The retirees were honoured at a colourful ceremony at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.
The event marked the completion of a six-month demilitarisation training programme designed to prepare the retirees for civilian life.
The personnel included 535 from the Nigerian Army, 86 from the Nigerian Navy, 35 from the Nigerian Air Force, and two from the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, lauded the retirees for their invaluable contributions to national peace and security.
He urged them to transition into civilian life as resourceful managers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
“You have exemplified discipline, courage, and commitment throughout your careers. These values will continue to inspire future generations,” he said.
NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mamman, highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in equipping retirees with self-reliant and managerial skills.
“We have trained over 51,000 personnel, empowering them for life beyond service,” he stated.
Mamman urged the retirees to face the future with optimism, adding that the skills and discipline acquired during their training would ensure a smooth transition into civilian life.
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