ISWAP leader killed as two commanders surrender to Nigerian Army
Three senior members of the Islamic State West Africa Province have been neutralised or surrendered in Borno State, according to the Nigerian Army. Mohammed Khalifa, a high-profile ISWAP commander, was killed during joint military operations. Two other commanders, Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The army says these developments mark a significant blow to the terrorist group’s leadership and operational capabilities.
What happened
- Mohammed Khalifa, a member of the ISWAP Shurah Council, was killed during recent joint military operations.
- Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar surrendered to troops on June 8, 2026, in the Mangari axis of the Lake Chad region.
- The surrendered commanders are currently in military custody and undergoing profiling and debriefing.
- The army described the surrender as a major blow to ISWAP, citing the commanders’ influence and technical expertise.
- Ongoing military operations have led to declining morale among terrorists and increased surrenders.
