More than 150 terrorists, including commanders, fighters and affiliates, have surrendered to troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), within the past week, the military has said.
The figure is a major increase from the more than 50 terrorists who surrendered the previous week, Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said.
In a statement on Monday, Goni linked the increase to sustained intelligence-led operations, stronger military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to weaken terrorist groups and encourage voluntary surrender.
He said the development showed growing pressure within terrorist formations, especially on their movement, logistics, supply lines and ability to keep personnel in their enclaves.
“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,” he said.
Goni added that weapons and ammunition recovered from some of those who surrendered further showed the impact of the military pressure.
He said the rise also reflected the effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai’s counter-insurgency strategy, which combines intelligence operations with strategic communication, civil-military engagement and other non-kinetic measures.
According to him, the efforts are disrupting terrorist activities and support networks, weakening hostile narratives and encouraging more members to abandon terrorism.
Goni said all those who surrendered were profiled and documented in line with established procedures and applicable laws.
He added that the command would maintain the pressure to encourage more surrenders and weaken terrorist recruitment and support systems.
The Military High Command commended troops for their resilience, discipline and effectiveness, urging them to sustain pressure and deny terrorists freedom of action across the theatre.
“Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in its mission to sustain pressure on terrorist networks, disrupt their capabilities and support structures, protect civilians and create the conditions necessary for the restoration of lasting peace, security and normalcy across the North-East region,” he said.
