A major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism after a senior ISWAP finance operative surrenders to troops in Borno State.
The suspect reportedly gave himself up alongside two male children during an operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. Moreover, the Nigerian Army said the surrender followed continuous land and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts across the region.
Military authorities believe the latest defection is another serious setback for the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Furthermore, officials said it reflects growing cracks within the group’s leadership and support network as more members continue to abandon the insurgency.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspect surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade.
The surrender reportedly took place at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026.
It happened along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
He described the surrender as another important success in the military’s ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
According to the statement:
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the surrender of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, underscoring the sustained impact of ongoing kinetic and intelligence-driven operations across the North East.”
Preliminary investigations showed the suspect held a key financial role within the terrorist group.
Captain Goni explained that the man served as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram.
His responsibilities reportedly included managing the group’s finances and logistics.
He surrendered alongside two male children.
Meanwhile, troops recovered several items during the operation.
These included one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and ₦40,000.
In addition, military authorities disclosed that the suspect is undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation.
The process is expected to provide valuable intelligence for future military operations.
Captain Goni said:
“The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to exploit actionable intelligence that will support ongoing operations and facilitate the targeting of remaining terrorist elements across the Theatre.”
The Army also linked the latest surrender to the growing success of coordinated military offensives across the North East.
According to Goni, about 46 terrorists and their family members have voluntarily surrendered in recent days.
He said the increasing number of defections demonstrates that sustained military pressure is weakening terrorist camps.
Furthermore, he described the surrender as another major blow to ISWAP’s operational structure.
According to him:
“Coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, this development confirms deepening disillusionment within terrorist ranks and points to an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps.”
The military believes these developments are reducing the group’s ability to recruit, organize, and sustain attacks.
However, security operations are expected to continue across affected communities.
Operation Hadin Kai also reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security throughout the North East.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Command urged remaining terrorists to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by laying down their weapons.
The Army stressed that those willing to surrender still have an opportunity to do so peacefully.
In addition, residents were encouraged to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
Such cooperation, officials said, remains vital to sustaining recent gains against insurgency.
