Sustained military offensives by Nigerian troops have forced three suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to surrender in Damasak, Borno State, marking another development in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
The suspects reportedly surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI stationed at the Headquarters of the 5 Brigade in Damasak at about 4:50 p.m. on July 28.
The individuals were identified as Abba Musa Dogo (24), Abubakar Bargaji (28), and Ibrahim Abubakar (16).
Air and Ground Offensive Forced Escape From Terrorist Camps
During preliminary interrogation, the three suspects reportedly disclosed that they fled from terrorist camps located at Sabon Gari and Tunbun Mota, which are believed to be under the control of ISWAP commanders known as Abu Fatima and Abu Ayuba.
They told military personnel that relentless aerial bombardments and ground assaults by Nigerian forces had made it increasingly difficult for fighters to remain in the camps.
According to the suspects, the continuous military operations weakened the insurgents’ ability to operate and left many fighters struggling to survive, ultimately leading to their decision to surrender.
Suspects Reveal Specialized Military Training
The surrendered suspects also claimed they received specialized training as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft gunners for operations around the Lake Chad region.
They further disclosed that firearms were only issued before specific missions and collected immediately afterward by their commanders. The arrangement, they said, reflected a tightly controlled weapons management system within the insurgent group.
Military Begins Investigation
The three suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing profiling and further investigation.
Security authorities are expected to continue interrogations as part of efforts to gather intelligence that could support ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the North-East.
The latest surrender comes amid intensified military pressure on terrorist hideouts across Borno State, with security operations continuing to target ISWAP strongholds in the Lake Chad region.
