Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in the North-East, following the surrender of two senior commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operating in the Lake Chad region.

The development, described as a significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, reflects the growing impact of sustained military offensives against insurgent strongholds across the region.

In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, the surrendered terrorists were identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar. Both men are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and debriefing.

Preliminary findings indicate that the duo held strategic positions within the terrorist organisation and operated along the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region. Ismail Mohammed was said to be a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa and is believed to possess extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and operational activities.

Abu Umar was reportedly one of the group’s leading explosives experts, responsible for the construction and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat-support equipment used by insurgents.

Information obtained during the debriefing process also revealed that Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was recently eliminated during coordinated operations conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

Military authorities described the surrender of the two commanders as a major blow to the terrorist network, citing their operational experience, influence and technical expertise accumulated over several years.

The military noted that the development underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations and precision strikes carried out by troops and allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the North-East theatre.

According to Operation Hadin Kai, the continuous pressure has significantly weakened terrorist capabilities, disrupted their networks and forced an increasing number of insurgents to abandon the fight and surrender.

The latest surrender is also viewed as a sign of declining morale within terrorist ranks as military operations continue to restrict their movement, deny them safe havens and dismantle key leadership structures.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations aimed at eliminating terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace, security and stability to affected communities across the region.