76 ISWAP commanders surrender as military intensifies offensive
Top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, have surrendered to Nigerian troops alongside 76 fighters and their family members in the North-East. The surrender reportedly followed weeks of sustained air and ground offensives by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, which the military said had weakened the group’s command structure, logistics network and movement corridors. According to military authorities, the development marks a major setback for the insurgent group and reflects growing pressure inside its ranks. The surrendered commanders are being profiled and debriefed for intelligence purposes. Security officials said the information gathered from the defectors is expected to help troops identify remaining camps, arms caches and supply routes used by the terrorists. The military said the offensive will continue until all remaining insurgent enclaves in the North-East are dismantled.