A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI, as the military recorded a fresh wave of defections involving about 46 terrorists and their family members across the North-East.
The military said the latest surrender reflects the growing impact of sustained land and air offensives against terrorist enclaves and the increasing pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the senior ISWAP member surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade.
The statement said the terrorist laid down his arms at about 6:45 a.m. on Friday along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
Military authorities said preliminary profiling identified the surrendered suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he was responsible for managing the group’s financial activities and logistics.
He reportedly surrendered alongside two male children.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and ₦40,000 from the surrendered terrorist.
The military said the suspect is currently undergoing profiling and interrogation to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing counter-terrorism operations and facilitate the arrest of other insurgents.
According to the statement, the surrender of a senior finance operative represents a significant blow to ISWAP’s operational structure and logistics network.
The military noted that the development, alongside the recent surrender of about 46 terrorists and their family members, indicates growing disillusionment within the ranks of the terrorist group.
The Theatre Command attributed the wave of defections to sustained intelligence-driven operations and coordinated land and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts across the North-East.
It said the operations have continued to weaken the command structure, operational capability and sustainment network of the insurgents.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace, security and stability across the North-East through sustained military operations.
The command also urged remaining terrorists to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic initiatives by surrendering and laying down their arms.
It further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
