By Promise Eze 

The military says two “senior terrorist commanders” have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Geidam area of Borno state.

A statement on Tuesday by Mohammed Goni, acting media information officer at the headquarters joint task force (north east), said the suspected terrorists were identified as “Munzirs” within the group’s leadership structure.

Goni said the two commanders arrived in Maiduguri at about 7:30pm on July 5 and are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing detailed profiling, debriefing and intelligence exploitation.

“Preliminary interrogation indicates that the two surrendered commanders occupied influential positions and possess extensive knowledge of the group’s operational activities, command arrangements and logistics architecture,” the statement reads.

“Initial intelligence obtained from the debriefing has provided valuable insights into the terrorists’ operational methods, sustainment mechanisms and support networks.

“The information is expected to significantly enhance ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at locating, disrupting and dismantling remaining terrorist enclaves across the North East Theatre.”

According to the statement, the surrender of the two commanders marks another significant setback for the terrorist group and underscores the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations by troops of OPHK in collaboration with partner agencies.

Goni said the sustained military pressure, backed by coordinated land and air operations as well as enhanced intelligence efforts, continues to restrict the terrorists’ freedom of movement, weaken their combat capability and dismantle their command and control structures.

He added that increasing numbers of terrorist leaders and fighters are finding it difficult to continue the insurgency, forcing them to abandon the group and surrender to troops.

“This latest development further reinforces the growing disintegration of the terrorist organisation and reflects the cumulative impact of sustained military operations across the Theatre,” the statement reads.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in maintaining the operational momentum until all terrorist elements are neutralised or compelled to surrender.

“Troops will continue to exploit actionable intelligence, intensify offensive operations and work in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to eliminate the terrorist threat and restore enduring peace, security and stability across the North East.”

Source: TheCable