The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a senior terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, alongside the surrender of two high-ranking members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, during ongoing operations in Borno State.
The development was announced in a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Haruna Sani.
According to Lt Col Sani, the two commanders surrendered to troops on 8 June 2026, during intensified counter-terrorism operations in the region.
He said the surrendered fighters previously held strategic roles within the terrorist organisation and operated within the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad Basin.
“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,” the statement read.
The commanders are currently in military custody and undergoing profiling and debriefing.
High-value terror operatives identified
The army spokesperson revealed that one of the surrendered commanders, Ismail Mohammed, was a close associate of a senior ISWAP leader and had detailed knowledge of the group’s command structure and operations.
The second commander, Abu Umar, was described as an explosives specialist involved in the fabrication and maintenance of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other combat equipment used by the group.
Military sources said both individuals’ surrender marks a significant setback for the terrorist network, given their operational experience and influence.
Terror commander killed in joint operations
Lt Col Sani also confirmed that preliminary interrogation linked the death of another senior terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council, to recent joint military operations in the theatre.
He said the sustained offensive has continued to weaken insurgent structures and disrupt their operational capacity across the Lake Chad region.
According to the statement, ongoing operations under Operation Hadin Kai have intensified pressure on terrorist groups, forcing many fighters 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,” Lt Col Sani stated.
He added that the military remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability across affected communities in the North-East.
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