Senior operative overseeing insurgents’ funds and logistics gives up alongside two children; Army cites rising wave of defections amid sustained offensives.

A senior financial operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State, in what the military describes as a significant blow to the insurgent group’s operations.

The suspect, who reportedly managed funds and logistics for an ISWAP enclave, turned himself in to troops of the 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade of Operation Hadin Kai. He was accompanied by two male children at the time of his surrender.

According to a statement issued late Saturday by the acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the individual laid down his arms at about 6:45 a.m. on July 25 along the Ladari–Jegarawa–Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru–Wulgo supply route.

Military authorities said preliminary findings indicate the man served as the chief finance operative for the ISWAP camp in Jubillaram, where he handled the group’s financial flows and supply chain.

Items recovered from him include an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a motorcycle, and ₦40,000 in cash.

The Army noted that the surrender is part of a broader trend, revealing that about 46 insurgents and their family members have recently given themselves up to troops across the North-East.

Officials attribute the growing wave of defections to sustained ground and air offensives targeting terrorist strongholds, combined with intelligence-led operations disrupting their networks.

“The surrender of such a key figure signals a weakening of ISWAP’s command structure and logistics backbone,” Goni said, adding that the development reflects increasing disillusionment within the group’s ranks.

He confirmed that the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation, with the aim of extracting intelligence that could aid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

The military reiterated its commitment to restoring peace in the region and urged remaining insurgents to take advantage of government-backed reintegration initiatives by laying down their arms.

Residents were also encouraged to support security agencies with credible information to help sustain the momentum against insurgency in the North-East.