Six Suspected ISWAP Terrorists, Families Surrender as TroopRescue Abductees in North-East

Six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and their families have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai as the military recorded fresh operational successes against insurgents across Nigeria's North-East.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the statement, the suspected terrorists surrendered to troops of 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai.

Items recovered from them included more than ₦1.5 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.

In a separate operation, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abducted victims during an ongoing search-and-rescue mission in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7, 2026.

The military said the victims were rescued from a terrorist hideout.

During the operation, troops recovered ₦1.2 million, suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities as well as food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

The military also disclosed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Borno State.

According to the statement, the insurgents briefly breached part of the base's defensive perimeter during an intense gun battle before troops regrouped and launched a counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat.

The military said several terrorists were killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds. However, one soldier was killed during the encounter.

"Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base's defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds," the statement said.

It added that two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged during the exchange of fire.

The military, however, assured that the situation remains under control, with reinforcements deployed and additional defensive measures put in place.

Elsewhere, troops of 232 Battalion arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Follow-up operations led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

The suspect remains in military custody while investigations continue to identify other members of the criminal network.

Similarly, troops of 149 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups. The suspects are undergoing interrogation.

As part of ongoing clearance operations, troops of 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), raided known terrorist enclaves around Wulgo, recovering a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

The military said the recovery demonstrated sustained pressure on terrorist groups and their shrinking operational space.

In another operation, troops arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint while transporting large quantities of medical supplies without the required authorisation.

Also, in Sector 2, troops of 233 Tank Battalion, supported by local hunters, intercepted another suspected logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering five motorcycle tyres believed to be destined for insurgents.

Operation Hadin Kai said the latest operations underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security volunteers in disrupting terrorist activities across the North-East.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing search-and-rescue operations until all abducted victims are freed and reunited with their families.

It also issued a strong warning to individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport services or other forms of logistics to terrorist groups.

According to the military, anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorist organisations, directly or indirectly, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.