Top ISWAP commander Ibn Ali surrenders to Nigerian military in Borno

In a significant win for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, a top commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), Ibn Ali, has reportedly surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The announcement was made on Saturday by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement released in Abuja.

According to Kangye, the surrender comes after a series of well-coordinated offensives carried out by Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai between July 4 and 10. The operations spanned strategic locations including Platari, the Sambisa Forest, and the notorious Timbuktu Triangle—strongholds long associated with extremist activity.

He further reported that the intensified military pressure prompted a significant number of terrorists—comprising men, women, and children—to surrender.

Operations also extended to several locations within Borno and Adamawa States, including Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Biu, Konduga, Damboa, Dikwa, and Madagali.

“During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, five of their collaborators were arrested, while four kidnapped victims were rescued.
“Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered.

“They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N822,500 was also recovered.

“Similarly, a high profile terrorist Commander identified as Ibn Ali surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama LGA of Borno,” he said.

Kangye said the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies intensified operations along both kinetic and non-kinetic lines across all theatres during the period under review with resounding outcomes.

In the North West, Kangye said the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in conjunction with surface forces, had on July 10, conducted a major offensive operations during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taking out in Zamfara.

He added that troops also eliminated some terrorists, apprehended five and rescued two kidnapped victims during patrol operations.

In the North Central, Kangye said the troops of Operation Safe Haven killed some violent extremists, apprehended 18 and rescued seven kidnapped victims in Plateau.

According to him, some weapons, ammunition and a vehicle as well as motorcycles were recovered from them.

“Relatedly, on July 6, troops, while on routine patrol, arrested a militia in an ambush position with the intent to attack commuters along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

“Items recovered from him include one locally fabricated AK47 rifle, one AK47 magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special amongst others.

“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated some extremists in Makurdi, Guma and Katsina-Ala, LGAs of Benue as well as Karim Lamido, Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba.

“During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested eight of them and rescued two kidnapped victims,” he added.

Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N263.8 million, including 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He said the troops also discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, nine boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites.

According to him, eight oil thieves and other criminals were apprehended while assorted arms and ammunition, as well as vehicles were seized from the criminals.

In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a sponsor and logistic supplier to Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

He added that four suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were arrested in Ihiala and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Anambra and Imo state respectively.