By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
A key financier of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State, as the military recorded another wave of defections involving 46 insurgents and their relatives.
Military authorities described the development as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations, noting that the latest surrender reflects mounting pressure on terrorist groups operating across the North-East.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the suspect voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade on July 25.
According to the military, the suspect was identified during preliminary screening as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave located at Jubillaram. He reportedly surrendered at about 6:45 a.m. along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route, accompanied by two young boys.
Captain Goni explained that the latest surrender followed sustained ground and air offensives against terrorist hideouts, forcing many insurgents to abandon their strongholds and seek safety.
The military said the surrendered operative coordinated financial transactions and logistical support for the Jubillaram enclave, making him a strategic figure within the terrorist group’s operational structure.
Recovered from him were an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle and ₦40,000.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation and further profiling to provide intelligence expected to support ongoing military operations and aid efforts to dismantle remaining terrorist cells.
The command noted that the surrender of a high-ranking finance operative further weakens ISWAP’s operational and logistical capacity, while highlighting the impact of sustained military campaigns across the theatre.
It added that the recent surrender of about 46 terrorists and members of their families signals growing discontent within insurgent ranks and an increasing willingness by fighters to abandon the armed campaign.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its determination to sustain offensive operations until lasting peace is restored across the North-East. It also urged remaining insurgents to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by surrendering, while appealing to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence.
