By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded another major breakthrough with the surrender of top ISWAP terrorist leaders amid sustained military pressure in the North-East theatre.
In a statement on 28 June 2026, the JTF said a fresh group of key ISWAP members abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops. They are in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing and other established procedures in line with operational protocols.
The development highlights the impact of Operation HADIN KAI’s offensive, which continues to dismantle terrorist strongholds, disrupt command and logistics structures, and deny insurgents freedom of action.
The JTF said persistent operations have degraded terrorists’ combat capabilities and eroded confidence within their ranks. Within the last week alone, 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some family members surrendered to troops.
“These operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter terrorism and counter insurgency strategy, combining precision combat operations, intelligence-led engagements and coordinated joint efforts with partners,” the statement read.
Operation HADIN KAI said it remains resolute in its mission to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace in the North-East. “The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender.”
