The Nigerian military says several senior ISWAP commanders, 76 foot soldiers and members of their families have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai following sustained counterterrorism operations in the North-East.
The Nigerian military has recorded another breakthrough in its counterterrorism campaign in the North-East, with several top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), 76 foot soldiers and members of their families surrendering to troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The military attributed the development to sustained offensives and intelligence-led operations targeting terrorist enclaves across the region.
According to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, the latest surrender followed weeks of intensified military pressure against insurgent positions. Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the surrendered individuals included senior ISWAP leaders, 76 fighters and some of their family members.
The military said the surrendered commanders and fighters are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in line with operational protocols. It added that ongoing operations have continued to weaken terrorist networks and force more insurgents to abandon their enclaves.
The latest development forms part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP in Nigeria’s North-East. Military authorities have repeatedly stated that sustained ground operations, supported by actionable intelligence, are aimed at degrading the operational capacity of insurgent groups and encouraging further defections.
In a statement announcing the development, Captain Mohammed Goni said Operation Hadin Kai has continued to record significant operational successes through sustained military pressure backed by credible and timely intelligence. He said troops remain committed to maintaining the offensive until terrorist activities are decisively curtailed in the theatre of operations.
The Nigerian military said operations across the North-East remain ongoing as troops continue to pursue remaining insurgent elements while processing those who have surrendered in accordance with established military procedures.