A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, alongside 46 other terrorists and their family members, the military has announced.
The Acting Military Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the latest surrender reflects the growing success of sustained land and air offensives against terrorist strongholds across the North East.
According to the military, the senior ISWAP operative surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru–Wulgo Main Supply Route.
Captain Goni said the suspect laid down his arms following a series of coordinated military operations that have intensified pressure on terrorist enclaves in the region.
Preliminary investigations identified the surrendered suspect as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he allegedly managed the group’s finances and logistics.
He surrendered alongside two male children.
Items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle and ₦40,000 in cash.
The military said about 46 other terrorists and their family members have also voluntarily surrendered in recent days, describing the development as another indication that ongoing counter-insurgency operations are weakening terrorist groups.
According to the statement, the surrendered suspect is undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to provide intelligence that will support ongoing military operations and help security forces track down remaining terrorist elements.
Author
