Six Suspected ISWAP Terrorists Surrender to Nigerian Troops as Military Intensifies Offensive in North-East

Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign recorded another breakthrough as six suspected ISWAP terrorists, accompanied by their family members, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State amid sustained military offensives across the North-East.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued in Maiduguri by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni. According to the military, the suspects surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1, while security forces continued clearance operations against insurgent groups.

Troops recovered more than ₦1.5 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal items from the surrendered suspects and their families. Military authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of those who surrendered but described the development as another sign of increasing pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.

In a separate operation conducted on July 7, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abducted victims from a terrorist hideout in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. During the mission, soldiers also recovered ₦1.2 million believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food supplies and logistics suspected to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.

The military also repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP fighters on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Borno State. Although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter during the fierce exchange of gunfire, troops regrouped and launched a successful counterattack that forced the terrorists to retreat with heavy casualties. One soldier was killed during the battle, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged.

Operation Hadin Kai said reinforcements have since been deployed to the area, with follow-up operations underway to track fleeing insurgents and strengthen security around the base.

Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in military custody as investigations continue.

In another operation, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Security personnel recovered cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups.

Additional successes were recorded during clearance operations around Wulgo, where troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents. Security forces also arrested suspected logistics suppliers at the Molai checkpoint and in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering medical supplies and motorcycle tyres allegedly destined for terrorist elements.

The military said the latest operations highlight the effectiveness of sustained offensives, intelligence-driven missions and collaboration with local security partners. Operation Hadin Kai also warned individuals providing food, fuel, transport or other logistical support to terrorist groups that anyone found aiding insurgents would be arrested and prosecuted under Nigerian law.