Several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), alongside 76 rank-and-file fighters and their family members, have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North-East.
The development was disclosed on Sunday night by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammad Goni.
READ MORE: Drake Bags $1 Million After Canada Defeats South Africa at FIFA World Cup
According to Goni, the insurgents voluntarily laid down their weapons and abandoned their hideouts following sustained military offensives that intensified pressure on their strongholds.
He said, “The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has continued to achieve remarkable operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) through sustained offensives supported by credible, timely and actionable intelligence.”
He added that the latest breakthrough saw another group of high-ranking ISWAP leaders desert their camps and surrender to troops operating in the North-East theatre.
Goni explained that the surrendered suspects include key figures within the terrorist organisation who opted to give themselves up after continuous military operations weakened their network.
He noted that the former insurgents are currently being held in a secure facility, where they are undergoing profiling, debriefing and other necessary procedures in line with established military protocols.
“Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers, along with some of their family members, have surrendered to troops,” he said.
The military spokesman stated that the latest wave of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the ongoing offensive by Operation Hadin Kai, which has continued to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt command structures and logistics networks, and restrict the movement of insurgents across the region.
He said the sustained military campaign has significantly weakened the terrorists’ fighting capability while also eroding confidence among their leadership and rank-and-file members.
According to Goni, the recent operational achievements reflect the success of the Nigerian military’s integrated counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, which combines precision military operations, intelligence-driven missions and coordinated efforts with partner agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to eliminating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
“The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue without let-up until they are completely neutralised or compelled to surrender,” the statement added.
About The Author
