Top ISWAP commanders surrender as military intensifies offensive

The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has forced a group of top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and 76 foot soldiers (along with their families) to surrender in Borno State.

The military breakthrough was officially announced by the Acting Military Information Officer for the theatre command, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the terrorists abandoned their camps and surrendered to troops due to sustained military pressure backed by intelligence-led operations.

It further disclosed that several senior ISWAP figures are among those who surrendered and are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other procedures in line with established operational protocols.

Operation Hadin Kai said the latest surrender underscores the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their command and logistics structures, and restrict their freedom of movement.

The task force added that the surrender of the terrorists, including fighters who turned themselves in with their families, reflects the continued decline in the group’s operational strength and morale.

It stated that the military’s counter-terrorism strategy combines sustained combat operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to defeat terrorist groups and restore lasting peace across the North-East.