By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian military has recorded another major breakthrough in its counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, with several senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), along with 76 rank-and-file fighters and some of their family members, surrendering to troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammad Goni, disclosed the development on Sunday, attributing the mass surrender to sustained military offensives and intelligence-led operations across the theatre.
According to Goni, the latest wave of defections underscores the increasing pressure on terrorist groups, forcing many insurgents to abandon their enclaves and lay down their arms.
He said, “The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has continued to record significant operational successes in the ongoing counter terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence.”
Describing the surrender of the senior ISWAP figures as a major operational achievement, Goni added:
“In another major breakthrough, a fresh group of top ISWAP terrorist leaders have abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops within the North-East theatre of operations.”
He explained that the insurgent leaders voluntarily surrendered after prolonged military pressure and are currently undergoing security procedures.
“They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols.
“Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some families surrendered to troops.”
Goni said the steady stream of surrenders highlights the effectiveness of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds, disrupting command structures and severing logistics networks.
“Persistent military operations have continued to degrade the terrorists’ combat capabilities while eroding confidence within their ranks and leadership,” he said.
He added that the military’s strategy—combining precision strikes, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies—continues to deliver measurable gains in the fight against terrorism.
Reaffirming the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to sustaining the offensive, Goni said the campaign would continue until all remaining terrorist elements are defeated or compelled to surrender.
“The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender,” the statement added.