The Nigerian Army has announced a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, confirming the killing of a senior terrorist commander, Mohammed Khalifa, alongside the surrender of two high-ranking Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.
According to the North-East Joint Task Force, the two surrendered commanders, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, turned themselves in on June 8, 2026, in the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region, where they previously held key operational roles within the terrorist group.
Military officials said both individuals are currently in custody and undergoing profiling and interrogation. Ismail Mohammed was described as a close associate of a senior ISWAP leader and reportedly had deep knowledge of the group’s command structure and operations, while Abu Umar was identified as a specialist in explosives and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices used in attacks.
The army also confirmed that intelligence gathered during interrogation revealed that Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shura Council, was killed during recent joint military operations conducted in the region.
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Haruna Sani said the developments represent a significant setback for the terrorist network, noting that sustained military pressure has continued to weaken insurgent operations and force defections and surrenders among fighters.
He added that ongoing operations across the Lake Chad Basin, Sambisa Forest, and other insurgent strongholds have led to the destruction of terrorist hideouts and the neutralisation of several commanders in recent months.
The military described the latest outcome as evidence of declining morale within terrorist ranks, attributing it to intensified ground and air offensives and coordinated actions by security forces and allied partners.
Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian Armed Forces’ counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups until lasting peace and stability are restored to affected communities.
