The Chief of Defence Operations in Nigeria, Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, announced that a total of 125,517 terrorists and their families have surrendered to the Nigerian military.
In addition, over 60,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been relocated in coordination with the Borno State Government.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 20, 2024, Maj. Gen. Onumajuru said, “Our adversaries, about 125,517 terrorists and their families, have so far surrendered. Also, those in war work attunement have been successfully moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe as part of our non-kinetic lines of operations.”
On the success of military operations in the North East, he noted, “There has also been the relocation of over 60,000 IDPs in conjunction with the Borno State Government, thereby decongesting some of the IDP camps.”
Onumajuru highlighted that the security situation in the North East remains stable, with significant progress in reopening major roads and markets, which has boosted economic activities in the region. “The troops in the northwest have done well, and economic activities have increased. The farming planting session was also good. We are working towards ensuring that the harvest is also as successful as the planting,” he added.
The military official further stated that while there have been some isolated incidents in the North Central region, the overall security situation is stable. He acknowledged some challenges in Shiroro, Niger State, but assured that efforts are underway to address them. “The rest of the North Central is relatively stable. Operations of militia groups in Benue and Nasarawa states have been reduced, and the rate of kidnapping in these areas has also decreased,” Onumajuru said.
In the South-South, the military has recorded significant successes against oil thieves. “We have conducted offensive operations to clear all major infractions along key pipelines, particularly the Trans-Niger pipeline,” he noted.
The security situation in the Southeast has also improved, with the military reducing the ability of groups to enforce sit-at-home orders. “A large number of IPOB and ESN members have been neutralized, and their ability to enforce sit-at-home orders has been contained, which is improving socio-economic activities in the region,” he stated.
Maj. Gen. Onumajuru concluded that the Southwest remains peaceful, with no significant security challenges.
