In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, top leaders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and 76 foot soldiers, along with their families, have surrendered to troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai.
The mass surrender follows relentless military pressure and sustained offensive operations designed to dismantle the insurgents’ remaining strongholds in the region.
The development was officially confirmed in a statement released on Sunday night by the Acting Military Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammad Goni.
According to Goni, the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign has continued to record significant operational successes, heavily backed by credible, timely, and actionable intelligence that has forced the insurgents to abandon their enclaves.
Among those who capitulated are high-ranking figures within the ISWAP network. Capt. Goni disclosed that these key terrorist leaders, along with the 76 foot soldiers and their families who surrendered over the past week, have been moved to a secure location.
They are currently undergoing rigorous profiling, debriefing, and other established legal and operational procedures in accordance with extant military protocols.
The military command highlighted that this wave of surrenders underscores the devastating impact of Operation Hadin Kai’s sustained offensive.
The synchronized strategy has effectively degraded the terrorists’ combat capabilities, disrupted their command and logistics structures, and denied them freedom of action across the theatre.
This continuous pressure has not only eroded confidence within the insurgents’ ranks but has also severely fractured their leadership.
Reiterating the military’s unwavering commitment, Goni assured the public that the comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy—combining precision combat, intelligence-led engagements, and joint efforts with partners—will be maintained.
He emphasized that Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in its mission to completely defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace to the North-East, warning that pressure on the remaining elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralized or forced to surrender.
