Eleven suspected terrorists surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State as the military killed eight others during a clearance operation, authorities said Wednesday.
The Nigerian Army said the incident occurred during ongoing operations in the northeastern region, where troops have intensified efforts to flush out remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
According to a military statement, the terrorists surrendered during separate encounters in Mafa and Dikwa local government areas. They reportedly turned themselves in with their families, citing hunger, hardship, and fear of being killed in the bush as reasons for surrendering.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed eight fighters in a gun battle while recovering weapons and motorcycles used by the insurgents. The operation, which involved ground forces and air support, targeted known hideouts and logistics camps used by the militants.
Military officials said recovered items included AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and communication devices. No casualties were reported on the side of government forces.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ending insurgency in the region and urged remaining terrorists to lay down their arms.
The Borno State government, which is overseeing rehabilitation programs for surrendered insurgents, said the new arrivals would undergo screening and be enrolled in its de-radicalization and reintegration initiative.
The Boko Haram conflict, which began in 2009, has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions in northeastern Nigeria. Despite recent military gains, sporadic attacks and ambushes persist across Borno and surrounding states.
