By Sabiu Abdullahi
A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, the Nigerian Army has announced.
The Army said the insurgent surrendered alongside two male children to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade.
In a statement issued late Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, described the development as another major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
According to Goni, the surrender took place at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.
“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,” the statement read.
The Army spokesperson said the latest development comes amid an increasing number of terrorist surrenders, with about 46 insurgents and their family members reportedly laying down their arms in recent days.
Goni attributed the surrender to the sustained land and air offensives carried out by Operation Hadin Kai against terrorist strongholds.
“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.
He disclosed that preliminary investigations identified the suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.
“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,” he stated.
The Army said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ₦40,000 from the surrendered suspect.
According to Goni, the suspect is currently in custody for further profiling and interrogation.
“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,” he stressed.
The Army said the surrender of such a senior finance operative represents another major setback for ISWAP and reflects the weakening of the group’s command structure, operational capacity and logistics network.
“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,” he emphasised.
Goni reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
“The Theatre Command therefore calls on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their arms before it is too late,” he added.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
