By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Two high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar have laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of the Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ (OPHK).
The incident occurred on 8 June 2026, following sustained military pressure in the Theatre.
This is as sources told our Correspondent that another high-profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during the joint operations by OPHK.
Confirming the incident on Thursday in a press statement, the Acting Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East)
Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani said: “Troops of OPHK have recorded another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of two high-profile Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops on 8 June 2026.
“The surrendered terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, are currently in military custody and undergoing appropriate profiling and debriefing procedures.
“Preliminary assessments indicate 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 a close associate of senior ISWAP Leader Baa Shuwa and possessed extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and activities.
“The second individual, 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 of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during the joint operations by OPHK.
“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.
“This development further demonstrates the growing desperation and declining morale within terrorist ranks as relentless military pressure continues to deny them freedom of action and safe havens.
“It also reinforces the effectiveness of ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist leadership structures and disrupting their operational capabilities.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to maintaining relentless pressure on all terrorist elements. The military will continue to exploit all available opportunities to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting stability to affected communities”. Sani explained.
