Operation HADIN KAI records fresh breakthrough as two terrorist leaders surrender
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The military has recorded a major intelligence breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in the North-East following the surrender of two senior terrorist commanders to troops of Operation HADIN KAI.
The commanders, identified within the terrorist hierarchy as Munzirs, surrendered to troops of Sector 2 in Geidam, Yobe State, on July 4, 2026, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The military said the suspects arrived in Maiduguri on July 5 and are currently undergoing profiling and debriefing.
According to Goni, preliminary interrogation indicates that the surrendered commanders held influential positions within the terrorist organisation and possess extensive knowledge of its operations, leadership structure and logistics network.
He said intelligence already gathered from the debriefing has provided valuable information on the group’s operational methods, supply chains and support networks.
The military noted that the information would strengthen ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting remaining terrorist hideouts across the North-East.
Goni described the development as a significant setback for the terrorist group, saying it underscores the effectiveness of sustained military offensives carried out by Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with security partners.
“The relentless military pressure, supported by coordinated land and air operations as well as enhanced intelligence efforts, continues to deny the terrorists freedom of movement, degrade their combat capability and erode their command and control structures,” he said.
He added that sustained pressure had forced more terrorist leaders and fighters to abandon the insurgency, with increasing numbers surrendering to troops.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the operational tempo, saying troops would continue to exploit actionable intelligence and intensify offensive operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised or compelled to surrender.
It added that security forces would continue working with relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East.