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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Nigerian Army kills ISWAP commander, two others surrender in Borno

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The Nigerian Army killed a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Mohammed Khalifa, in Borno State.
  • Two high-ranking ISWAP commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops during Operation Hadin Kai.
  • The army stated that the surrender of these commanders, who held strategic positions and possessed specialized skills, represents a significant setback for the terrorist organization.

The Nigerian Army has reported a significant success in its counter-terrorism efforts in Borno State, announcing the killing of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Mohammed Khalifa, and the surrender of two other high-ranking commanders.

The two commanders, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai on June 8, 2026. They occupied strategic positions within the ISWAP hierarchy and operated in the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region. Both are currently in military custody undergoing debriefing.

Operation Hadin Kai has recorded another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of two high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops on 8 June 2026.

— Lt Col Haruna SaniThe Acting Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed the details of the operation.

Ismail Mohammed is described as a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa, possessing extensive knowledge of the group's command structure. Abu Umar was known within the network as a skilled explosives specialist, responsible for fabricating and maintaining improvised explosive devices. The army highlighted that their surrender signifies a major setback for ISWAP due to their experience, influence, and technical expertise.

Lt Col Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, stated that the surrender underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by the troops, complemented by precision engagements with allied partners. He added that relentless military pressure continues to degrade terrorist capabilities, weaken operational networks, and compel insurgents to surrender, reflecting growing desperation and declining morale within their ranks.

Their decision to flee and surrender further underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, complemented by precision engagements conducted with the support of allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the theatre.

— Lt Col Haruna SaniThe army spokesperson commented on the impact of their operations on insurgent morale.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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