Over 124,000 terrorists, dependents surrender since 2023, Tinubu says

President Bola Tinubu has said that more than 124,000 terrorists and their dependents have surrendered their arms since 2023 under the Operation Safe Corridor programme.

He made the disclosure in his national address marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, his fourth since assuming office.

“We keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” the President said.

Tinubu said the development reflects a dual strategy being pursued by his administration, combining sustained military pressure on insurgent and bandit groups with reintegration pathways for those willing to abandon violence.

He added that the government has intensified operations against remaining armed networks across the country as part of a broader security overhaul.

The President also linked the surrender figures to wider security gains, including increased defence spending, expanded recruitment of security personnel, and a shift toward precision military operations targeting terrorist leadership structures.