MORE than 76 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have abandoned their enclaves and surrendered to troops operating within the North-East theatre under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), following sustained operational successes by the military.
News Point Nigeria reports that the North-East geopolitical zone comprises six states—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, who revealed that those who surrendered included key members of the terrorist network as a result of relentless military pressure.
“The development highlights the devastating impact of the sustained offensive by Operation HADIN KAI, which continues to dismantle terrorist strongholds, disrupt command and logistics structures, and deny the insurgents freedom of action across the theatre,” the statement said.
It added that persistent military operations have continued to degrade the terrorists’ combat capabilities while eroding confidence within their ranks and leadership.
“Within the last week alone, a total of 76 terrorist foot soldiers with some families surrendered to troops.
“They are currently in a secure location undergoing profiling, debriefing, and other established procedures in accordance with extant operational protocols,” the statement read in part.
According to Captain Goni, the latest operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, which combines precision combat operations, intelligence-led engagements, and coordinated joint efforts with partners.
He added that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mission to completely defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East.
“The pressure on the remaining terrorist elements will continue unabated until they are completely neutralised or forced to surrender,” Goni stated.
