Troops Intensify Pressure on Terrorists in Lake Chad Region as Two Ranking ISWAP Commanders Surrender

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have significantly escalated their pressure on terrorist elements in the Lake Chad region, achieving a notable success with the surrender of two high-ranking commanders from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer for Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that the surrendered commanders are Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar. Both are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and debriefing. Preliminary assessments indicate they held crucial positions within the terrorist hierarchy, operating along the Mangari axis.

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The development marks another major success in the military’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and underscores the growing impact of sustained operations against insurgent strongholds across the North-East.

Ismail Mohammed was known as a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa and is believed to have extensive knowledge of the group's command structure and operations. Abu Umar was recognized within the network as a skilled explosives specialist, responsible for fabricating and maintaining vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat equipment used by the insurgents.

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Military authorities described the surrender of the two commanders as a significant setback for the terrorist organisation, given their influence, operational experience and technical expertise accumulated over several years within the insurgent network.

Further interrogations revealed that another significant figure, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralized during joint operations. Military authorities view the surrender of Mohammed and Umar as a substantial blow to ISWAP, given their influence, experience, and technical expertise.

The military attributes these successes to sustained offensive operations and precision engagements conducted in collaboration with allied partners. These coordinated efforts have degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted networks, and are compelling more insurgents to surrender. The development also signals growing desperation and declining morale among terrorist ranks as military operations restrict their movement and access to safe havens.

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Their decision to surrender further reflects the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, supported by precision engagements carried out in collaboration with allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the theatre.