The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a sharp increase in the number of terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates surrendering to troops across the North-East.
More than 150 terrorists surrendered during the current week, compared with over 50 recorded in the preceding week, representing a 202 percent week-on-week increase.
According to an official statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, the development reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the military.
The statement said the growing number of surrenders was an indication of increasing pressure within terrorist formations, particularly on their freedom of movement, logistics, sustainment and ability to retain personnel within their enclaves.
It added that the recovery of weapons and ammunition from some of the surrendering terrorists further underscored the operational impact of sustained pressure on terrorist networks.
Operation HADIN KAI attributed the development to its comprehensive counter-insurgency approach, which combines intelligence-led military operations with strategic communication, civil-military engagement and other non-kinetic measures.
According to the Theatre Command, the coordinated efforts are disrupting terrorist activities and support networks, weakening hostile narratives and encouraging more members of the groups to disengage from terrorism.
The Command said strategic communication remained central to the campaign, particularly in conveying credible messages to individuals willing to abandon terrorism while exposing the consequences of continued association with terrorist groups.
It stated that all persons who surrender are profiled, documented and handled in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.
The Theatre Command said it would continue to build on the current momentum to encourage further surrenders and weaken terrorist recruitment and sustainment mechanisms across the region.
The Military High Command also commended troops for their resilience, discipline and operational effectiveness, urging them to sustain the pressure and continue denying terrorist elements freedom of action across the theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to degrading terrorist networks, disrupting their capabilities and support structures, protecting civilians and creating the conditions for the restoration of lasting peace, security and normalcy across the North-East.
