ISWAP Finance Chief Surrenders as 46 Terrorists Lay Down Arms in Fresh Operation HADIN KAI Breakthrough
By Pan Afric Reporters
MAIDUGURI – The military campaign against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East has recorded another significant milestone as troops of Operation HADIN KAI secured the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, while about 46 terrorists and their family members also voluntarily laid down their arms following sustained offensives by security forces.
The development, disclosed in a press release issued by Operation HADIN KAI and signed by its Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, highlights the growing pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves through coordinated land and air operations, resulting in increasing defections within insurgent ranks.
According to the statement, the senior ISWAP commander surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
Military authorities said preliminary profiling identified the suspect as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the terrorist group’s finances, logistics and operational support.
The suspect reportedly surrendered alongside two male children, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and ₦40,000 from him.
Operation HADIN KAI described the surrender as another major setback for ISWAP, noting that it reflects the weakening of the group’s operational capacity and leadership structure.
“The surrender of such a key finance operative represents another significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the growing erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability and sustainment network under the relentless pressure of Operation HADIN KAI,” the statement said.
The military added that the suspect is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to obtain actionable intelligence that would support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist cells across the theatre.
The command also revealed that the surrender comes amid a broader wave of defections, with approximately 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops in recent days.
According to the military, the increasing number of surrenders confirms growing disillusionment within terrorist camps and demonstrates the effectiveness of the sustained kinetic and intelligence-driven operations being conducted across the North-East.
“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,” the military stated.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East, while urging remaining insurgents to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by surrendering before it becomes too late.
The command also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that would enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mission to restore enduring peace, security and stability across the North East,” the statement added, urging citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies in the fight against terrorism.
