Sustained military pressure has forced a senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and several other high-ranking fighters to surrender to troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
The Nigerian military confirmed the development, noting that security forces have intensified their counter-terrorism offensive across the North-East. This latest defection is part of an increasing wave of surrenders, with 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily turning themselves in over recent days.
In a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force North-East, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the senior operative surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion, under the 24 Task Force Brigade, at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026. The surrender took place along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
Captain Goni attributed the decision of the insurgents to lay down their arms to a series of coordinated and decisive land and air offensives carried out by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist enclaves.
Preliminary profiling identified the lead suspect 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.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and N40,000 from the operative.
“The individuals are currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to extract actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the theatre,” Captain Goni stated.
The military described the surrender as a major blow to ISWAP, noting that it reflects the steady erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability, and logistical network. According to the statement, the recent surge in defections points to deepening disillusionment within the terrorist ranks.
Reaffirming its commitment to ending the insurgency, Operation Hadin Kai stated it remains resolute in its mission to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.
The Theatre Command called on remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late. It also urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing operations.
