Sokoto Boosts Security with New Armoured Vehicles

…….As Defence Minister General Musa Hails Initiative

The Federal Government has commended the Sokoto State Government for strengthening security operations through the acquisition of a new fleet of armoured vehicles and other security equipment, describing the move as a major step towards improving Nigeria’s internal security.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), officially commissioned the security assets in Sokoto on Wednesday, where he praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritising the safety of residents through strategic investments in security infrastructure.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Captain Moses Yare, the minister said the procurement of the equipment demonstrates the state’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.

General Musa noted that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment, stressing that investments in security are critical to protecting lives, property and economic activities.

He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places security at the centre of national development.

The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to restore peace across the country, adding that confronting evolving security challenges requires stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, as well as security agencies and communities.

According to him, the newly acquired armoured vehicles and security equipment will enhance the operational effectiveness of security personnel by improving troop protection, increasing mobility and enabling faster responses to security threats.

He, however, stressed that sophisticated equipment alone cannot guarantee success without professionalism, discipline and effective coordination among security agencies.

General Musa also commended the Sokoto State Government for complementing military operations with community-based intelligence gathering, describing public cooperation and timely information as indispensable tools in addressing insecurity.

He urged security personnel deployed to use the new assets responsibly and professionally and in accordance with the rule of law while calling on them to justify the public investment through dedicated service and sustained efforts to eliminate criminal activities.

The defence minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to leveraging modern technology and improving leverage modern technology and improveersonnel welfare to strengthen national security and create an environment where Nigerians can live and conduct their lawful businesses without fear.

Military Pressure Forces Top ISWAP Commanders to Surrender as 76 Terrorists Lay Down Arms

By Auwal Ahmad

Fresh military offensives against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East have forced several senior commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to surrender as troops intensify operations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The development comes amid sustained counter-terrorism operations by Operation HADIN KAI in the Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region, where troops have continued to dismantle terrorist enclaves and disrupt the activities of insurgent groups.

In a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the recent wave of surrenders was the result of relentless military pressure backed by credible intelligence.

He disclosed that a fresh batch of high-ranking ISWAP commanders abandoned their hideouts and voluntarily surrendered to troops operating within the theatre.

“The troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to record significant operational successes in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists through sustained operations backed by credible, timely and actionable intelligence,” Goni said.

According to him, the surrendered commanders, regarded as key figures within the terrorist network, are currently in a secure military facility undergoing profiling, debriefing and other procedures in line with established operational protocols.

The military said the latest defections underscore the growing impact of its sustained offensive, which has weakened terrorist command structures, disrupted logistics networks and restricted the movement of insurgents across the North-East.

Captain Goni added that the continuous operations have not only degraded the combat capability of the terrorist groups but have also eroded confidence among their fighters and leadership.

He revealed that within the past week alone, 76 terrorist foot soldiers, alongside some members of their families, surrendered to military troops.

The military attributed the growing number of defections to its comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy, which combines precision combat operations, intelligence-driven missions and coordinated efforts among security agencies.

“These operational gains demonstrate the effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s comprehensive counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, combining precision combat operations, intelligence-led engagements and coordinated joint efforts with partners,” the statement said.

The military reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to eliminating terrorism in the North-East, stressing that pressure on the remaining insurgents would continue until they are either neutralised or compelled to surrender.

The latest breakthrough provides another boost to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the region after years of insurgency.

Mothers, Children Walk Free After Military Offensive Cripples ISWAP Enclave

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

At least 47 women and children have regained their freedom after troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified military operations against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Lake Chad region, forcing insurgents to abandon their strongholds and leaving behind dozens of captives who had endured prolonged detention.

The rescued victims, comprising mainly mothers and children from Damasak, Gashigar and Bags communities in Borno State, were freed from a terrorists’ hideout in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area following sustained offensive operations by the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai.

The military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, who described the rescue as another significant humanitarian success in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the North-East.

According to the statement, the rescue operation was achieved on June 20, 2026, as a result of relentless pressure mounted on ISWAP enclaves across the Lake Chad basin.

“The successful rescue operation was made possible through sustained aggressive pressure and relentless offensive operations conducted by OPHK troops against ISWAP enclaves in the Lake Chad region,” Uba stated.

He explained that coordinated ground and air assaults disrupted the terrorists’ activities and compelled them to flee their positions in confusion, creating an opportunity for the captives to escape.

“The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” he added.

The military spokesman said the rescued civilians are receiving medical attention and humanitarian assistance at a secure location. He noted that relevant agencies are working to ensure their rehabilitation and smooth reintegration into their communities.

Uba said the successful rescue of the 47 abductees reflects the military’s commitment not only to neutralising terrorist threats but also to securing the freedom and safety of innocent civilians caught in the conflict.

He reaffirmed the determination of Operation Hadin Kai to sustain its offensive against ISWAP and other terrorist groups, dismantle their remaining networks and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East.

For the rescued women and children, the operation marks the end of a painful chapter and the beginning of a new journey back to their families and communities.