The Nigerian military says its sustained operations against terrorist networks in Borno State have led to the surrender of the wife and 11-year-old son of a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander.
The Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai disclosed that the duo surrendered to troops on July 29, 2026, at Kusuma Village, days after the alleged ISWAP finance operative himself abandoned the group.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Capt. Muhammed Goni, the commander had reportedly instructed his family members to surrender after he escaped from the terrorist enclave on July 25.
The military said the woman and her son have been screened and are undergoing further profiling as part of established security procedures.
Goni said the surrender followed a series of intelligence-led operations aimed at weakening terrorist networks and disrupting their support systems.
In a separate operation, troops arrested six suspected ISWAP collaborators in Damasak, Borno State, over alleged involvement in raising funds for the terrorist group.
The suspects were accused of using cattle trading activities in Gubio, Damasak and Ajuwango markets to generate financial support for ISWAP operations.
Items recovered from them included a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, mobile phones, vehicle keys, cow meat and cash amounting to ₦317,950.
The army spokesperson said the suspects remain in military custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, troops of the 145 Battalion carried out a clearance operation in Turoh following credible intelligence. The military said terrorists fled after sighting the advancing troops, leaving behind motorcycles and large quantities of illicit drugs.
Goni assured that troops would continue operations targeting terrorist fighters, financiers and logistics networks, while encouraging members of terrorist groups and their families to take advantage of the surrender window.
He also called on residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
