Army eliminates ISWAP commander; 2 senior terrorist leaders surrender in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in northeastern Nigeria, neutralising a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and securing the surrender of two other high-ranking terrorist leaders in Borno State.

The Defence Headquarters said the operation was carried out during an intelligence-led clearance mission targeting terrorist hideouts within the Timbuktu Triangle and parts of the Sambisa Forest.

According to military authorities, the slain commander, identified as Mohammed Khalifa, was a key operational figure within the insurgent group. He was reportedly linked to several attacks on security personnel and was alleged to have coordinated extortion activities targeting communities in the Lake Chad region.

Military sources said troops intercepted Khalifa and members of his armed unit following actionable intelligence on their movements. A gun battle ensued, during which the commander was killed, while several other insurgents fled the area.

Following the operation, troops recovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including three AK-47 rifles, a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), ammunition, communication devices, and operational materials believed to have been used by the group.

In a separate development, two senior ISWAP figures identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar surrendered to troops at a military location in Borno State. The pair reportedly arrived with members of their families and handed over weapons and ammunition to military authorities.

Security officials said preliminary intelligence indicates that the surrendered commanders occupied strategic positions within the insurgent organisation, with responsibilities ranging from field operations to logistics and the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The military attributed the latest defections to sustained pressure from ongoing ground and air operations across insurgent strongholds in the North-East.

Authorities said the surrendered individuals have been taken into custody for profiling, intelligence debriefing, and further assessment. They are expected to undergo the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme after the completion of security procedures.

Operation Hadin Kai has intensified operations against insurgent groups in recent months as security forces continue efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across the North-East region.

Military authorities commended troops involved in the operation and urged remaining insurgents to surrender and take advantage of existing rehabilitation programmes.