ISWAP Senior Finance Chief Surrenders to Nigerian Army in Borno

A senior financial operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State, marking another significant development in the military’s ongoing campaign against insurgency in the North-East.

The Nigerian Army announced that the insurgent, who reportedly handled financial and logistics operations for the terrorist group, voluntarily surrendered to soldiers of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai.

The surrender took place in the early hours of Friday, July 25, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.

Military authorities described the development as a major operational gain, noting that it reflects the growing impact of sustained military offensives against terrorist strongholds across the region.

Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday night.

According to him, the insurgent was identified during preliminary investigations as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave located in Jubillaram.

He said the surrendered terrorist was responsible for coordinating financial transactions, managing resources and overseeing logistics within the enclave before deciding to abandon the group.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East,” Goni stated.

The Army spokesman explained that the suspect surrendered alongside two male children.

He noted that the decision to surrender followed a series of coordinated military offensives carried out by both ground troops and air components of Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist camps and hideouts in different parts of the region.

Military authorities believe the sustained pressure has continued to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups and force many fighters to abandon their positions.

Goni revealed that several items were recovered from the surrendered insurgent.

The recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle and ₦40,000 in cash.

“The terrorist surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route,” he said.

“Preliminary profiling indicates that the terrorist served as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children.”

The Army further disclosed that the suspect is currently undergoing extensive profiling and interrogation.

According to military authorities, intelligence obtained from the process is expected to assist ongoing operations aimed at tracking and dismantling remaining terrorist cells operating within the North-East theatre.

“The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre,” Goni added.

Security officials said the surrender of a high-ranking finance operative represents a major setback for ISWAP, particularly because financial managers play a critical role in sustaining terrorist activities, procurement operations and the movement of supplies.

The Army also linked the latest development to a growing trend of defections among insurgents.

According to the statement, about 46 terrorists and their family members have voluntarily surrendered to troops in recent days, a situation military authorities say points to increasing pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.

“Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps,” Goni said.

He reiterated the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to restoring peace and stability across the North-East. Also, he urged the remaining insurgents to take advantage of government-backed rehabilitation and non-kinetic programmes by laying down their arms.

The Army also appealed to residents of the region to continue cooperating with security agencies through the provision of credible and timely information that could support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.