Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another success in the North East, with two more high-profile terrorist commanders surrendering to Sector 2 forces in Geidam, Yobe State, barely a month after two senior ISWAP figures gave themselves up in similar circumstances.
Acting Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force North-East, Captain Mohammed Goni, confirmed the latest surrender, saying the two commanders, identified as Munzirs within ISWAP’s leadership structure, arrived in Maiduguri around 7:30pm on July 5 and are now in military custody undergoing profiling, debriefing and intelligence exploitation. Their surrender follows that of Ismail Mohammed, linked to senior terrorist leader Baa Shuwa, and Abu Umar, a VBIED specialist, who surrendered on June 8.
According to the statement, early interrogation suggests both new arrivals held influential roles within the group and carry detailed knowledge of its command structure, logistics and operational methods. “Initial intelligence obtained from the debriefing has provided valuable insights into the terrorists’ operational methods, sustainment mechanisms and support networks. The information is expected to significantly enhance ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at locating, disrupting and dismantling remaining terrorist enclaves across the North East Theatre,” the statement said, describing the surrender as another blow to the group and evidence that sustained offensive operations, backed by coordinated land and air power alongside improved intelligence work, continue to restrict terrorist movement and erode their command structure.
Goni said the accumulated military pressure has made it increasingly difficult for ISWAP leaders and fighters to sustain their campaign, pushing growing numbers to abandon the insurgency altogether. He characterised the latest surrenders as part of a broader pattern of disintegration within the group, one he attributed directly to the cumulative effect of ongoing operations across the theatre. “Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in maintaining the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are neutralised or compelled to surrender,” he said, adding that troops would continue exploiting actionable intelligence, intensifying offensive operations and working with relevant stakeholders to eliminate the terrorist threat and restore lasting peace and stability to the North East.
