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.

Former Military Spokesman Rabe Abubakar Dies in Captivity

By Jamila Muhammad

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesman, who died while in captivity after being abducted by his captors.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, described the late officer as a dedicated patriot whose contributions to Nigeria’s security and military development would be remembered for generations.

The military expressed profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, his former colleagues, and Nigerians at large, noting that Major General Abubakar served the nation with distinction in several strategic positions, including as Director of Defence Information and spokesperson for various military formations.

According to the statement, the retired general played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations and strengthening the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

“His commitment to duty and to the unity of Nigeria remains a shining example for all personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the Defence Headquarters stated.

The military revealed that it deliberately refrained from public commentary following his abduction in order not to jeopardize ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Defence Headquarters withheld public comment on his abduction in deference to ongoing rescue efforts by the Armed Forces and sister security agencies. Every operational resource was deployed in the hope of securing his safe return,” the statement said.

Reacting to the tragic development, the military high command said the death of the retired officer has further strengthened its determination to intensify the fight against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening national security.

The DHQ disclosed that military operations across the country have been reinforced in response to rising incidents of abduction, with renewed efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“This sad loss further strengthens the resolve of the Armed Forces. We will remain resolute in the discharge of our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to protect all citizens,” the statement added.

The military assured Nigerians that it would sustain ongoing operations until peace and security are restored nationwide.

“We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will not relent until peace and security are restored and those responsible for terrorist activities across the nation are held to account,” the statement concluded.

The passing of Major General Abubakar marks the loss of one of the Armed Forces’ most respected public affairs officers, whose career spanned several critical assignments within Nigeria’s security architecture and whose legacy of service remains deeply etched in the nation’s military history.