DHQ Expands Voluntary Surrender Policy to Armed Groups Across Southern Nigeria

Nigeria’s military has officially widened its voluntary surrender framework, allowing armed non-state actors operating in the South-East, South-South and South-West to lay down their weapons under the same policy previously applied in northern conflict zones.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the Armed Forces’ approach to tackling insecurity nationwide, as military authorities combine intensified combat operations with an open pathway for fighters willing to abandon violence.

Defence Headquarters Confirms Nationwide Expansion

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed that the surrender policy is no longer restricted to insurgents and bandits operating in the North-East, North-West and North Central.

Responding to questions regarding the recent surrender of suspected militants during Operation UDO KA in the South-East, Onoja said armed groups in southern parts of the country are also eligible to surrender voluntarily.

According to the Defence Headquarters, individuals who surrender will be handled in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions before being transferred to the appropriate legal authorities for further action.

The military also clarified that there is no deadline for those who wish to surrender, although offensive operations against criminal groups will continue across affected regions.

Policy Comes Amid Recent Operation UDO KA Successes

The latest announcement follows recent military operations in the South-East under Operation UDO KA, where troops reported that sustained pressure led some suspected militants to voluntarily surrender.

During the operation, soldiers attached to the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East recovered:

• One AK-47 rifle
• Two AK-47 magazines
• Fifty-four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
• Four locally fabricated firearms

Military authorities said one of the suspects guided troops to the group’s armoury, leading to the recovery of the weapons.

In another intelligence-driven operation, troops also recovered:

• Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)
• Forty-five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
• One improvised explosive device (IED)

Security officials believe these recoveries demonstrate the impact of sustained military offensives combined with intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation.

Why the Policy Matters

The extension represents one of the broadest applications of Nigeria’s voluntary surrender policy since it was introduced during counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East.

Previously, similar surrender opportunities were largely associated with:

• Boko Haram insurgents
• ISWAP fighters
• Armed bandits operating in parts of the North-West
• Criminal groups in sections of the North-Central

By extending the framework nationwide, the Armed Forces are signalling that every theatre of military operations now follows a similar approach—maintaining military pressure while allowing individuals an opportunity to abandon armed violence.

Background: Insecurity in the South-East

The South-East has experienced recurring security challenges over the past several years, including attacks targeting security personnel, government infrastructure and civilians.

In response, the Nigerian military established Operation UDO KA, a regional security operation designed to dismantle armed criminal networks, improve intelligence coordination and restore stability across the region.

Military authorities have repeatedly stated that the operation combines offensive missions, intelligence-led raids and collaboration with other security agencies to reduce violent activities.

What Happens to Those Who Surrender?

According to Defence Headquarters, surrendering individuals are not automatically released.

Instead, the Armed Forces will:

1. Receive and secure those who voluntarily surrender.
2. Process them in line with international humanitarian standards.
3. Transfer them to the relevant legal authorities for investigation and any necessary legal proceedings.

Officials also stressed that military operations against armed groups will continue despite the open surrender policy.

What to Watch Next

The expansion of the surrender programme is expected to shape future security operations across southern Nigeria.

Key issues observers will monitor include:

• Whether more armed groups choose to surrender.
• The effectiveness of Operation UDO KA in reducing violence.
• How surrendered individuals are processed through Nigeria’s legal system.
• Whether similar policies contribute to long-term security improvements across other regions.