Mass Surrender of ISWAP Commanders and Fighters
The Nigerian military has announced a major breakthrough in its counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, with the surrender of senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and 76 fighters, along with their families, in Borno state. The development was disclosed by the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which attributed the success to sustained military operations and intelligence-driven actions against terrorist groups.
Military Spokesman Confirms Surrender
Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, confirmed the surrender, stating that it reflects the impact of ongoing operations aimed at weakening terrorist networks. “Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have continued to record significant operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence,” Goni said.
Profiling and Debriefing Underway
The military spokesman revealed that several top ISWAP leaders had abandoned their hideouts and surrendered to troops operating within the North-East theatre. He said the commanders are currently being held at a secure location where they are undergoing profiling, debriefing, and other necessary procedures. “Among those who surrendered are key members of the terrorist network due to relentless military pressure. They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols,” he stated. Goni added that 76 terrorist foot soldiers, alongside some family members, also surrendered within the last week.
Operation HADIN KAI Vows Sustained Pressure
The military said the recent gains have disrupted terrorist command structures, logistics networks, and movement capabilities across the region. According to Goni, the operation would continue with a combination of combat efforts, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with security partners until terrorism is completely defeated. “The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender,” the statement added.
Related Military Operations
In a separate operation, troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA killed two suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition during an operation in the Sabarumawa axis of Kebbi State on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
