DHQ announces kidnap kingpin Yellow Jambros has surrendered

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant advancements in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, with an increase in terrorist surrenders, particularly in the north-central region. 

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, disclosed that several notorious terrorist leaders and commanders, including Yellow Jambros, have surrendered to the Nigerian military. Others who surrendered include Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.

Buba attributed the development to a combination of military offensives and collaborative non-kinetic measures, saying the efforts have encouraged terrorists to lay down their arms. He added that the army remains committed to sustaining its operational tempo to weaken insurgent groups further and prompt more surrenders.

However, there has been controversy surrounding Yellow Jambros, who was previously reported killed in a December 2023 airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Niger state. A subsequent report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, suggested Jambros had escaped a raid on his camp earlier this year. His recent surrender highlights the complexities in tracking the leadership of terrorist groups in the region.

In the past week, Nigerian troops killed at least 135 terrorists, arrested 185 suspects, and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages. The military also recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, along with 909,800 liters of stolen crude oil and other illegally refined petroleum products during operations in the Niger Delta region. Buba expressed confidence that the military is making steady progress and remains in a “winning position” in its fight against insurgency and terrorism.