No fewer than 24,059 terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops in the Northeast between May 2021 and January, the Defence Headquarters said on Thursday.
They comprise 5,326 adult males, 7,550 adult females and 11,183 children.
The DHQ said all surrendered elements have been properly profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions.
Also within the time under review, a total of 1, 910 suspected terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements were killed.
This was as it noted that over fourteen million litres of illegally-refined diesel, as well as kerosene, were recovered during the period under review.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen. Benard Onyeuko disclosed these at the bi-weekly operational briefing in Abuja.
He maintained that fighting forces across theatres had demonstrated resilience and doggedness in the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s determination to reassert the authority of the state.
While warning enemies of the state against continuing on the path of criminality, the DMO called for renewed collaboration between security agencies and the public, in a bid to restore peace across the state.
He insisted that in the last eight months, aggressive clearance, ambush and other operations have pushed the non-state actors to the fringes, with thousands of them surrendering.
“In summary, the Armed Forces of Nigeria from 20 May 2021 to 6 January 2022 neutralised 1,910 criminal elements including terrorists, armed bandits and robbers as well as kidnappers across the country,” Onyeuko said.
“This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during airstrikes within the period.
“Troops also rescued a total of 729 kidnapped victims across the country.
“Furthermore, within the period in focus, troops made a cumulative total recovery of 13,201,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 3,969,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.
“Also, 38,582 barrels and 6,491,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as 11,659,500 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit, were recovered and handled appropriately.
“Additionally, a total of 912 criminal elements were arrested, while a large cache of arms and ammunition, as well as livestock among other items of economic and security concerns, were recovered by the troops during the period