By Desire Emmanuel
Two terrorists described as “high-profile ISWAP commanders” have dropped their weapons and surrendered to men of the Nigerian Army.
Soldiers of the Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops on June 8.
The surrendered terrorists, whose names were given as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, are currently in military custody and undergoing appropriate profiling and debriefing procedures.
According to the Nigerian Army in a statement on the feat on Thursday, June 11, preliminary assessments indicated that the two individuals occupied strategic positions within the terrorist hierarchy and operated within the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region.
One of the surrendered commanders, Ismail Mohammed, was said to be a close associate of senior ISWAP leader, Baa Shuwa and possessed extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and activities.
The second terrorist, Abu Umar, was widely known within the terrorist network as a skilled explosives specialist with responsibilities linked to the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and other combat-support equipment used by the terrorists.
Interrogation further revealed that another high profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa, a member the ISWAP Shurah Council, was killed during the joint operations by men of Operation Hadin Kai.
The army said the surrender of the two commanders represents a major setback to the terrorist organisation, particularly given their experience, influence and technical expertise acquired over several years within the insurgent network.
“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.
“The combined pressure from these operations continues to degrade terrorist capabilities, weaken their operational networks, and compel increasing numbers of insurgents to surrender,” the Nigerian Army said in the statement.
