President Bola Tinubu has revealed that more than 124,000 insurgents and their family members have surrendered under the Federal Government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme since he assumed office in 2023.
The President made the disclosure on Friday, June 12, during his nationwide broadcast marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary.
According to Tinubu, the government has continued to combine military operations with rehabilitation opportunities for those willing to abandon violent extremism.
“We keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependants have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.”
The President said the development reflects the success of ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist and bandit groups while encouraging repentant fighters to return to civilian life.
He noted that security agencies have sustained pressure on insurgent and criminal networks operating across different parts of the country, resulting in significant gains in the fight against insecurity.
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Tinubu linked the large number of surrenders to broader security reforms implemented by his administration, including increased investment in security operations and personnel.
The government allocated a record ₦5.41 trillion to the security sector in the 2026 budget and has recruited more than 50,000 police officers as part of efforts to strengthen law enforcement capacity nationwide.
The President also highlighted recent military successes against terrorist groups, including the destruction of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) command centre in Arege, Borno State.
He further referenced the elimination of senior terrorist leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint operation involving Nigerian and United States security forces in May.
Tinubu said the administration would continue pursuing a balanced approach that combines military action with opportunities for rehabilitation, while maintaining pressure on groups that refuse to abandon violence.
The Democracy Day address was Tinubu’s fourth national broadcast since taking office in 2023.