Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reopened a surrender window for armed groups operating in the South-East and other non-state actors across the country, offering those willing to lay down their weapons another opportunity to embrace peace and reintegrate into society.
The renewed initiative forms part of the military’s non-kinetic strategy aimed at reducing violence, restoring security, and encouraging dialogue alongside ongoing military operations against insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and separatist armed groups.
Military authorities said the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to giving individuals involved in armed violence a final opportunity to abandon criminal activities before facing intensified security operations.
The offer is expected to target members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as other armed criminal groups operating in various parts of the country.
Military says peace remains the preferred option
According to the Defence Headquarters, while troops will continue offensive operations against violent groups, those genuinely prepared to surrender their weapons and renounce violence will be treated in accordance with established reintegration and rehabilitation procedures.
The military emphasized that the initiative is not a sign of weakness but a strategic effort to save lives, reduce bloodshed, and encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Officials noted that experience from previous surrender programmes in the North-East showed that many fighters eventually abandoned insurgency after sustained military pressure and opportunities for rehabilitation.
The Defence Headquarters maintained that those who refuse the peace offer should expect continued military operations across their areas of operation.
Renewed focus on South-East security
The South-East has witnessed recurring attacks on security formations, government facilities, correctional centres, electoral offices, and public infrastructure in recent years.
Armed groups have also been blamed for enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders, attacks on civilians who defy the directives, and targeted killings of security personnel.
Although IPOB has repeatedly denied responsibility for many of the attacks, Nigerian security agencies continue to accuse criminal elements linked to separatist networks of fueling insecurity in the region.
The military said reopening the surrender window provides another chance for misguided youths to return to lawful living instead of remaining in violent groups.
Nationwide opportunity
Beyond the South-East, the programme extends to other armed non-state actors operating across Nigeria.
This includes terrorists in the North-East, bandits in the North-West, kidnappers in the North-Central, and other criminal gangs willing to surrender voluntarily.
Security officials believe combining military pressure with dialogue and rehabilitation can produce more sustainable peace than relying solely on force.
They stressed that the armed forces remain committed to protecting citizens while creating pathways for reconciliation where possible.
Reintegration process
Individuals who surrender are expected to undergo screening by security agencies before participating in deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programmes where applicable.
Authorities said each case would be carefully assessed to distinguish between hardened criminals responsible for serious atrocities and individuals who were coerced or misled into joining armed groups.
The government has previously implemented similar initiatives through programmes designed to help former fighters acquire vocational skills, education, counselling, and other forms of support to facilitate their return to society.
Mixed public reactions
The reopening of the surrender window has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Some observers welcomed the initiative, arguing that lasting peace requires both military action and opportunities for reconciliation.
Others, however, questioned whether former fighters should continue receiving rehabilitation opportunities while victims of violence are still seeking justice.
Security analysts say successful implementation will depend on transparency, proper screening of beneficiaries, accountability for serious crimes, and sustained community engagement.
They also emphasized that communities affected by violence must be involved in reconciliation efforts to rebuild trust and prevent renewed conflict.
Military vows sustained operations
Despite reopening the surrender window, the Defence Headquarters reiterated that troops will not relax ongoing operations across the country.
Military authorities assured Nigerians that offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, oil thieves, and other criminal elements would continue until peace is fully restored.
The armed forces urged communities to continue providing credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing attacks.
Officials added that cooperation between local communities and security agencies remains critical to defeating violent criminal networks nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters expressed optimism that more fighters would take advantage of the renewed peace initiative, helping reduce insecurity and promote long-term national stability.
Sources:
- Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Nigeria
- Nigerian Armed Forces official statements
- Channels Television
- Punch Newspapers
- Vanguard Nigeria
