The Nigerian military has recorded another major breakthrough in its counter-insurgency campaign in the North East following the surrender of a senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as the number of terrorists laying down their arms continues to rise.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the suspect surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
The military said the surrender followed sustained land and air offensives against terrorist enclaves, which have continued to weaken insurgent networks and force fighters to abandon their camps.
Preliminary investigations identified the surrendered suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he managed the group’s finances and logistics. He reportedly surrendered alongside two male children.
Items recovered from him included one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ₦40,000 in cash.
The military disclosed that the suspect is currently undergoing profiling and interrogation to provide intelligence that will aid ongoing operations and assist troops in locating and dismantling remaining terrorist cells across the theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that the surrender represents a significant blow to ISWAP’s operational structure, particularly its financial and logistical network, and reflects the increasing effectiveness of ongoing military operations.
The command also revealed that about 46 terrorists and their family members have voluntarily surrendered to troops in recent days, describing the development as evidence of growing disillusionment within terrorist ranks and the continued collapse of insurgent strongholds.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and stability across the North East, the Theatre Command urged remaining terrorists to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by surrendering before it is too late.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
