Troops Increase Pressure on Terrorists in Lake Chad as Two ISWAP Leaders Surrender

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have stepped up pressure on terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region, leading to the surrender of two senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders. The event represents another significant victory in the military’s counter‑terrorism campaign and highlights the growing impact of sustained operations against insurgent strongholds in the North‑East.

Acting Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, identified the surrendered men as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar. Both are now in military custody and are undergoing profiling and debriefing.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the two commanders held key positions within the terrorist hierarchy and operated along the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region. Ismail Mohammed, a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa, is believed to possess extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure, operations and activities.

Abu Umar was widely recognised within the network as a skilled explosives specialist. He reportedly fabricated and maintained vehicle‑borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat‑support equipment used by insurgents.

Interrogation of the surrendered commanders also revealed that another high‑profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during joint operations conducted by Operation Hadin Kai.

Military authorities described the surrender of the two commanders as a significant setback for the organisation, given their influence, operational experience and technical expertise accumulated over several years. Their decision to surrender underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by Operation Hadin Kai, supported by precision engagements in collaboration with allied partners against terrorist enclaves across the theatre.

These coordinated operations have continued to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt operational networks and compel more insurgents to abandon the fight and surrender.

The latest development is also seen as evidence of growing desperation and declining morale within terrorist ranks, as relentless military operations deny insurgents freedom of movement and access to safe havens. It further highlights the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist leadership structures and weaken their operational capacity.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on all terrorist elements. The military pledged to continue exploiting every available opportunity to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and stability to affected communities.