Top ISWAP commanders, 76 fighters surrender to troops in North-East

Senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and 76 insurgent fighters have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI following sustained military operations across Nigeria’s North-East.

The development was disclosed by Captain Muhammad Goni, the acting military information officer of the headquarters joint task force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI in a statement.

According to the military, the latest surrender followed sustained offensives and intelligence-led operations that have continued to dismantle terrorist enclaves and disrupt insurgent activities in the region.

Captain Goni said the surrendered group included key ISWAP leaders who abandoned their hideouts as a result of mounting military pressure. He added that the commanders are currently undergoing profiling, debriefing and other security procedures in line with operational protocols.

He also revealed that 76 insurgent foot soldiers, accompanied by some of their family members, surrendered to troops within the last week.

The military said the latest development reflects the growing impact of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which have significantly weakened the insurgents’ command structure, logistics network and operational capabilities.

Goni noted that sustained military pressure has continued to erode the morale of terrorist fighters, forcing many to either surrender or flee their strongholds.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to intensify intelligence-driven operations until terrorism is completely defeated and lasting peace is restored across the North-East.

“The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or compelled to surrender,” the statement said.