Troops of 5 Brigade, operating under Operation HADIN KAI, arrested six suspected ISWAP collaborators on July 27, 2026, in Damasak, Borno State. This intelligence-led operation represents a continuation of the military's sustained pressure on terrorist networks in the North-East, with a particular focus on dismantling their financial and logistics support structures.
In a statement released on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the military said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly generating funds for the terrorist group through the procurement and sale of cattle at designated markets in Gubio, Damasak, and Ajuwango. According to the military, the suspects used the profits from these cattle transactions to finance ISWAP's activities in the region.
The cattle trade is a major economic activity in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, and its exploitation by terror groups has been a key concern. By arresting these collaborators, the military aims to sever the financial lifeline of the insurgents, who rely heavily on such illicit funding mechanisms.
Items recovered from the suspects included one Volkswagen Golf vehicle, vehicle keys, four mobile phones of different brands, cow meat, and the sum of N317,950. The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further investigation.
The official military statement read: "Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly generating funds for the terrorist group through the procurement and sale of cattle at designated markets in Gubio, Damasak and Ajuwango. Items recovered from the suspects included one Volkswagen Golf vehicle, vehicle keys, four mobile phones of different brands, cow meat and the sum of N317,950.00. The suspects are currently in military custody undergoing further investigation."
ISWAP Finance Chief's Wife and Son Surrender
In a significant development on July 29, 2026, the wife of an ISWAP Chief Finance Operative and her 11-year-old son surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion through Kusuma Village. The surrender occurred just four days after her husband, a senior ISWAP commander who reportedly served as the group's Chief Finance Officer in Jubillaram, surrendered on 25 July 2026.
According to the military, the husband instructed his wife to surrender with their son following his successful escape from the enclave. This act underscores the growing defection of both fighters and their families from the terror group, as pressure on ISWAP from Operation HADIN KAI mounts.
The military stated that both surrendered individuals have been screened and are currently undergoing further profiling in line with established procedures. The official statement added: "Preliminary investigation revealed that her husband, a senior ISWAP commander who reportedly served as the group’s Chief Finance Officer in Jubillaram and surrendered on 25 July 2026, had instructed her to surrender with their son after his successful escape from the enclave. Both individuals have been screened and are currently undergoing further profiling in line with established procedures."
Clearance Operation at Turoh
In a related operation, troops of 145 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a clearance operation at Turoh. Upon sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled in disarray, leaving behind vital logistics items.
During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered two motorcycles and huge quantities of illicit hard drugs. The interception of these drugs is particularly significant, as terrorists often use proceeds from drug trafficking to fund their operations, acquire weapons, and recruit new members.
Military Vows to Continue Intelligence-Led Operations
Operation HADIN KAI reassured the public that troops will continue to intensify intelligence-driven and offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and financial networks. The military also encouraged willing terrorist members and their families to surrender, assuring them that they would be treated in accordance with established procedures.
Furthermore, the military urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that would support ongoing operations. This, it said, is essential to restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the theatre of operations.
The recent arrests and surrenders are a clear indication that the military's counter-insurgency strategy is yielding results. By targeting the financial backbone of ISWAP and encouraging defections, Operation HADIN KAI is progressively weakening the terror group's ability to sustain its campaign of violence in Borno and the wider North-East region.
