By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another major breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, as the military reports a growing wave of terrorist defections across the North East.
The suspect surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on 25 July 2026 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route. The development followed recent coordinated land and air offensives by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist enclaves.
According to the military, preliminary profiling shows the individual served as the Chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he managed the group’s financial activities and logistics. He surrendered alongside two male children.
Items recovered from him include one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the sum of ₦40,000.
The suspect is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to obtain actionable intelligence to support ongoing operations and target remaining terrorist elements in the theatre.
The Army said the surrender represents a significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the erosion of the group’s command structure, operational capability, and sustainment network under sustained pressure from Operation HADIN KAI.
The development also comes amid what the military described as a mounting wave of surrenders, with approximately 46 terrorists and their family members voluntarily surrendering to troops in recent days.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to restoring enduring peace and stability across the North East. The Theatre Command called on remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives and lay down their arms.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance counter-terrorism operations.
