Inside ISWAP Collapse: Senior Finance Operative And Two Children Surrender To Troops

The Nigerian Army has announced the surrender of a senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), describing the development as another major success in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the terrorist surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026.

According to the military, the surrender took place along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route. The suspect reportedly arrived with two male children and voluntarily laid down his arms following sustained military pressure on terrorist hideouts.

Captain Goni explained that recent coordinated land and air offensives by Operation HADIN KAI had significantly weakened ISWAP positions, prompting an increasing number of fighters to abandon the insurgent group.

Preliminary investigations identified the surrendered individual as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave in Jubillaram, where he allegedly oversaw the group’s financial operations and logistical support.

The Army disclosed that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 during the surrender.

The suspect is currently undergoing profiling and interrogation as security agencies seek to obtain intelligence that could assist ongoing operations against remaining terrorist cells in the region.

Captain Goni further revealed that about 46 terrorists and their family members have voluntarily surrendered to Operation HADIN KAI in recent days, describing the trend as evidence of growing pressure on insurgent groups.

He said the latest surrender represents another significant setback for ISWAP, noting that the group’s command structure, operational capacity, and supply network continue to weaken under sustained military offensives.

According to the Army, the increasing number of defections also reflects growing disillusionment among members of terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the region and urged remaining insurgents to embrace the Federal Government’s non-kinetic peace initiatives by surrendering before it is too late.

The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations.