More than 76 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters have surrendered to Nigerian troops in the North-East, the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI has confirmed.
According to the Acting Information Officer at the Theatre Command, Captain Mohammed Goni, the mass surrender occurred within the past week and included foot soldiers, some family members and several key figures within the insurgent network.
The development was attributed to sustained military operations that have weakened the group’s structure and morale.
The North-East region covers six states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.
Captain Goni said the latest figures reflect the impact of OPHK’s ongoing offensive which has targeted terrorist enclaves, disrupted logistics chains and limited the group’s freedom of movement across the theatre.
He noted that continuous operations have reduced the combat strength of the insurgents while creating doubt among their commanders and fighters.
“The individuals are currently in a safe facility where they are being screened, debriefed and processed in line with standard operational guidelines”, the statement added.
The military also described the surrenders as proof that its counter-terrorism approach combining targeted combat, intelligence-driven missions and joint coordination with partners is producing results.
Reaffirming the command’s mandate, Captain Goni stated that Operation HADIN KAI will maintain pressure on remaining insurgent elements until they are either eliminated or compelled to give up arms, with the ultimate goal of restoring lasting security to the North-East.
