Top ISWAP financial officer defects to troops in Borno state

A key figure in the Islamic State of West African Province's financial operations, along with two male children, has turned themselves in to the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, part of Operation Hadin Kai, in Borno State.

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This development has been confirmed by the Nigerian Army in a statement released late on Saturday, highlighting the significance of this breakthrough in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

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According to Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting Military Information Officer for Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, the surrender occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. on July 25, 2026, near the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route in Borno State.

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The statement from Captain Goni notes that this surrender marks another major operational success for Operation HADIN KAI, underscoring the impact of the ongoing military operations in the North East.

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The surrender is part of a larger trend, with around 46 terrorists and their family members giving themselves up to troops in recent days, indicating a growing wave of defections from terrorist groups.

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Captain Goni attributes the decision of the terrorist to surrender to the series of coordinated land and air offensives conducted by Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist enclaves.

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The surrendered terrorist, who served as the Chief Finance Operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, was responsible for managing the group's financial activities and logistics, and he turned himself in alongside two male children.

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Items recovered from the terrorist include an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, a motorcycle, and the sum of ₦40,000.

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The individual is currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to gather intelligence that will support ongoing operations and help target remaining terrorist elements.

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The surrender of this key finance operative represents a significant setback for ISWAP, reflecting the erosion of the group's command structure, operational capability, and sustainment network under the pressure of Operation HADIN KAI.

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This development, coupled with the increasing number of recent surrenders, points to a growing disillusionment within terrorist ranks and an accelerating wave of defections from terrorist camps.

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Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to restoring peace, security, and stability across the North East, according to Captain Goni.

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The Theatre Command is calling on all remaining terrorists to take advantage of the Federal Government's non-kinetic initiatives and lay down their arms before it's too late.

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Captain Goni is urging the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations.