June 11, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has announced that two high-ranking commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), including a suspected Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) specialist, voluntarily surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Yobe State.
An operational report made available to newsmen on Thursday revealed that the terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of the 159 Battalion in Geidam on June 8.
According to the report, Ismail Mohammed was a commander under a notorious terrorist leader known as Baa Shuwa, possessing detailed knowledge of ISWAP’s operations and structure.
Abu Umar, described as an ISWAP engineer, is a specialist in vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, with in-depth knowledge of the locations where such devices are produced and stored within ISWAP camps. Both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation.
The report further disclosed that Nigerian troops apprehended two suspected terrorist informants in separate operations in Borno State.
Combined forces from the 19 Battalion, 25 Brigade Garrison, and the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested one suspect in Damboa town on June 9 while purchasing farm items and mosquito nets allegedly intended for terrorist use.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect supplied logistics and intelligence to terrorist groups and is now in the custody of Headquarters 25 Brigade for further action.
Similarly, troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion apprehended another suspected terrorist informant later on the same day. The suspect was taken into custody at about 7:00 p.m. and remains under military detention pending further investigation.
In a separate operation, troops successfully foiled an attempted terrorist attack on a military location after sighting suspected terrorists approaching the area on June 9.
The soldiers responded with targeted fire missions, neutralising the threat and denying terrorists any freedom of action in the area.
During an exploitation of the area on June 10, troops discovered the decomposing corpses of two terrorists alongside a motorcycle in Buni Yadi, confirming that the terrorists had been neutralised in an earlier engagement. Further searches did not yield any additional items, according to the report.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorist threats in the North-East, warning that continued surrender or capture of terrorists would significantly degrade insurgent operations in the region.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
