Nigerian Army Takes Down ISWAP Leader, Two Commanders Give Up in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that they killed a top terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa. They also reported that two senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.

Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, who is the Acting Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

Sani said the two commanders surrendered on June 8, 2026, in the Mangari area of the Lake Chad region. This area is known for its strategic importance to the terrorist group.

Sani stated, "Operation Hadin Kai has 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."

He added, "The surrendered terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, are currently in military custody and undergoing appropriate profiling and debriefing procedures."

According to Sani, Ismail Mohammed was very close to a senior ISWAP leader, Baa Shuwa. He had a lot of knowledge about the group's command structure and operations.

He said Abu Umar was known as an explosives expert in the network. Abu Umar was responsible for making and maintaining the car bombs and other equipment used by the insurgents.

Sani further revealed that information from interrogations showed that Mohammed Khalifa, who was part of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was killed during recent joint military operations.

"Interrogation revealed that another high-profile terrorist, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during joint operations by Operation Hadin Kai," he mentioned.

The army spokesperson said the surrender of the two commanders was a big setback for the terrorist group. He noted their influence, experience, and technical skills gained over many years in the insurgent network.

"Their decision to flee and surrender shows the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai," Sani explained. "These operations are supported by precision engagements with allied partners against terrorist strongholds in the area."

Sani said that the pressure from these operations is weakening the terrorists' capabilities and networks. It is also forcing more insurgents to surrender.

He added that this situation shows the increasing desperation and low morale among terrorist fighters. The ongoing military operations have been denying them freedom of movement and safe havens.

"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," he said.

Sani also emphasized the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to continue offensive actions against insurgents in the North-East.

"The military will continue to exploit all available opportunities to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting stability to affected communities," Sani assured.

Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military's effort to fight Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province. In recent months, troops have increased their ground and air offensives in the Lake Chad Basin, Sambisa Forest, and other areas known for insurgent activity. This has led to the killing of several terrorist commanders, destruction of their hideouts, and the surrender of many fighters and their families.