Bandit Kingpins Yellow and Ardo Idi Surrender as Troops Neutralize 135 Terrorists

Two notorious bandit leaders, Yellow and Ardo Idi, have surrendered to authorities following intensified military operations that left 135 terrorists dead.

In a series of operations conducted across the country over the past week, the Nigerian military has effectively neutralized 135 terrorists, apprehended 185 suspects, and rescued 129 hostages.

During the weekly briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed these accomplishments.

Buba stated that the continued military operations in the North Central region have led numerous terrorists and leaders of bandit groups to surrender.

He explained that the surrenders were prompted by overtures from the terrorist leadership in response to the troops’ offensive against them.

Buba pointed out that a cooperative approach, which doesn’t involve force and engages key stakeholders, has been crucial in promoting these surrenders.

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As a result, several terrorist leaders, commanders, and fighters have already surrendered, with others expressing interest in doing so.

Prominent terrorists who have surrendered include Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (also known as Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.

“However, troops will maintain their operational pace to eliminate or encourage more surrenders from the terrorists,” Buba stated.

He added that during the reviewed week, troops apprehended 61 individuals involved in oil theft, seized 113 weapons, and recovered 2,415 rounds of ammunition.

The items retrieved comprised 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 custom-made rifles, eight pump-action guns, along with various other firearms and ammunition. Additionally, troops seized 15 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, 28 mobile phones, and assorted equipment.

In the Niger Delta, military forces dismantled 93 illicit crude oil refining ovens, 12 excavation pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, and 41 storage tanks. They also took down 82 illegal refining sites. Additionally, they recovered more than 909,000 liters of stolen crude oil along with substantial quantities of unlawfully refined diesel and petrol.

“The military remains in a strong position,” Buba emphasized, promising continued innovative solutions to address Nigeria’s security challenges.