ISWAP finance chief surrenders to Nigerian troops as military intensifies offensive in Borno

A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State following sustained military offensives against terrorist strongholds in the North-East.

The Nigerian Army announced the development in a statement issued late Saturday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai, Mohammed Goni, describing the surrender as another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

According to the Army, the suspected terrorist surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on Friday along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.

Mr Goni said preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s finances and logistics.

He surrendered alongside two male children.

The Army said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and N40,000 from the surrendered insurgent.

Mr Goni said the suspect is currently undergoing profiling and interrogation to obtain intelligence that could assist ongoing military operations against remaining terrorist cells in the region.

He attributed the surrender to the sustained land and air offensives being carried out by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist enclaves across the North-East.

According to him, the military has witnessed a growing wave of defections in recent days, with about 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops.

“The surrender of such a key finance operative represents another significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the growing erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability and sustainment network under the relentless pressure of Operation Hadin Kai,” the statement said.

The Army added that the increasing number of surrenders indicates growing disillusionment within terrorist ranks and an accelerating wave of defections from insurgent camps.

Mr Goni reiterated the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to restoring peace, security and stability across the North-East.

He urged remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms, while calling on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.