More than 150 terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates surrendered to troops in Nigeria’s North East this week, a 202 per cent surge from the previous week’s tally of over 50, the military said Monday.

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, attributed the spike to sustained intelligence-led operations and intensified military pressure across the theatre.

“The significant increase reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging voluntary disengagement from terrorism,” said Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East.

The military recovered weapons and ammunition from some of the surrendering elements, a development Captain Goni said “further underscores the operational impact of sustained pressure on terrorist networks”.

Officials said the surge signals growing pressure within terrorist formations, particularly on their freedom of movement, logistics and ability to retain personnel.

The command is profiling and documenting all persons who surrender in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws. In a separate incident earlier this month, terrorists surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on 7 August at New Abaram following sustained operations and internal disagreements within their enclave.

“The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements,” Captain Goni said.

The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience and operational effectiveness, urging them to sustain the momentum and continue denying terrorist elements freedom of action across the Theatre.