Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East following the surrender of two senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The military disclosed on Wednesday that the insurgents, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, voluntarily surrendered on June 8 and are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and debriefing.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, preliminary investigations revealed that the two men held strategic positions within the ISWAP hierarchy and operated around the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region, one of the group’s long-standing strongholds.
According to the statement, Ismail Mohammed was a close associate of a senior ISWAP leader, Baa Shuwa, and possessed extensive knowledge of the terrorist group’s command structure, operational networks and activities.
The second commander, Abu Umar, was described as a key explosives expert within the terrorist organisation. He reportedly handled the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat-support equipment used during attacks.
The military further disclosed that intelligence gathered during interrogation indicated that Mohammed Khalifa, a prominent member of the ISWAP Shura Council, was recently neutralised during joint military operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
Defence authorities described the surrender of the two commanders as a significant blow to the terrorist group, noting that both men possessed years of operational experience, influence and technical expertise.
Military authorities attributed the development to sustained ground and air offensives targeting terrorist enclaves across the North-East.
“The decision of these commanders to surrender underscores the success of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by precision engagements conducted with allied partners,” the statement read.
Security analysts believe the surrender could provide valuable intelligence to support ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The military noted that sustained pressure from troops has significantly weakened the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, disrupted their command structures and forced increasing numbers of insurgents to abandon the fight.
Operation HADIN KAI also described the latest surrender as evidence of declining morale among terrorist fighters, many of whom are reportedly struggling to operate due to continuous military offensives and the loss of safe havens.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements until peace and stability are fully restored across affected communities in the North-East. :::
Kudos to the efforts of the gallant troops in ensuring that relative peace is restored to affected region. May the Almighty God continue to protect the troops in Jesus name. However, those terrorists have given their hearts to the devil and should not be re-integrated to the society otherwise, re-integrating them to the society will do more harm. Reason being that a leopard can never change it spot.