Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has recorded another major success in its ongoing counter-terrorism campaign following the surrender of two high-profile commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the neutralisation of a member of the group’s Shurah Council during recent operations in the Lake Chad region.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the surrendered terrorists, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, turned themselves in to troops on 8 June 2026 and are currently undergoing profiling and debriefing.
The statement disclosed that 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.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani stated that Ismail Mohammed was a close associate of senior ISWAP leader Baa Shuwa and possessed extensive knowledge of the group’s command structure and activities. He added that Abu Umar was widely recognised within the terrorist network as an explosives specialist responsible for the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat-support equipment.
The military further revealed that ongoing interrogations showed that Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was neutralised during joint operations conducted by OPHK.
According to the statement, the surrender of the two commanders represents a significant setback for the terrorist organisation, particularly in view of their influence, operational experience and technical expertise acquired over several years within the insurgent network.
The military attributed the development to sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by precision engagements conducted with allied partners against terrorist strongholds across the theatre of operations.
The statement noted that the combined pressure from these operations continues to degrade terrorist capabilities, weaken operational networks and force increasing numbers of insurgents to surrender.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani said the latest development underscores the growing desperation and declining morale within terrorist ranks as relentless military pressure continues to deny them freedom of action and safe havens.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist elements and dismantling their networks in order to restore lasting peace and stability across affected communities in the North-East.
