By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Military High Command (DHQ) says over 122,843 terrorists have surrendered to the troops since the establishment of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) in 2015.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
operation Safe Corridor, military-led, multi-agency initiative was launched to deradicalize, rehabilitate, and reintegrate (DRR) former Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) combatants.
According to General Onoja, the purpose was targeted to end the circle of insurgency through non-kinetic means by providing a voluntary exit route, and processing thousands of “clients” through vocational training and psycho-social counseling.
Onoja gave the figures on Friday while giving updates on military operations between March 7 to 12.
He said: “Within this period, 14 additional terrorists surrendered to troops, which further increased the cumulative total to 122,843 insurgents who have surrendered since the creation of Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in 2015.”
The defence spokesperson said in March troops in the North East intercepted three suspected logistics suppliers in Kanama, arrested another terrorist tax collector in Kafiya Village, both in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He said during the same period troops repelled terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba and Doro Baga on March 10, a feat Onoja said demonstrated the troops superior defensive coordination and combat readiness.
“Furthermore, on March 11, 2026, troops ambushed and killed two terrorists at Mantamaleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State,” he said.
“Relatedly in Adamawa State, troops responding to distress calls from Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas, rescued kidnapped victims and seized 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for terrorist use.
“In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA systematically dismantled terrorist logistics networks while safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure from violent attacks and criminal activities.”
The defence spokesperson said troops at the Yankara border between Zamfara and Katsina states intercepted and arrested a suspected ammunition courier, identified as Mannir Adam. He added that the suspect is from Yankuzo village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Onoja said the suspect was travelling on a motorcycle from Unguwar Bawa in Saminaka Local Government Area of Kaduna State to Kucheri village. He said a search of the motorcycle uncovered several rounds of live ammunition concealed in the fuel tank. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Zamfara State Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
“In a related development, troops operating in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State apprehended 15 suspected logistics suppliers at illegal fuel distribution points, recovering nine motorcycles and 19 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended to sustain terrorist operations.
“Again on 11 March 2026, troops responding to a distress call in Sabon Tungar Village, Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, reinforced by local vigilantes, engaged the attackers, neutralized several terrorists, and successfully repelled the invasion,” the defence spokesperson said.
Giving an update on operations in the North Central, Onoja said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued seven kidnap victims and killed several terrorists in different engagements, while troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued six kidnap victims and apprehended two suspects. Additionally, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed two terrorists, arrested a drug peddler and foiled cattle rustling.
He added that troops on March 11, intercepted a commercial trailer at a checkpoint in Tafawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State carrying 802 bags of granular ammonium sulphate, a substance known to be used in the production of explosives.
“Investigations are currently ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the movement of the material,” Onoja said.
