Suspected ISWAP member surrenders to troops in Borno, admits role in three attacks

Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have apprehended a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who surrendered to troops in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was arrested at about 6:47 p.m. on July 14, 2026 at the Cashew Plantation area during routine security operations.

According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation that he was an ISWAP member from Warabe, Pulka, in Gwoza Local Government Area and had voluntarily approached the troops to surrender.

The suspect further disclosed that he had dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before making contact with the troops.

He also allegedly admitted to participating in three separate attacks on Delwa alongside other members of the terrorist group.

Items recovered from the suspect included one bicycle, one cutlass, one bicycle repair solution, one bicycle pump, one spoon, and N6,500 in cash.

Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further investigation to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The arrest is part of sustained efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to encourage the surrender of insurgents while dismantling terrorist networks operating across the North-East.