Credit: Operation HADIN KAI

Military authorities confirmed on Monday a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) finance operative, has surrendered to Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s North-East.

Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operates HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement, emphasising that the surrender followed coordinated land and air offensives that have intensified pressure on terrorist enclaves, contributing to a growing wave of defections.

The senior operative surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion under 24 Task Force Brigade at about 06:45 WAT on 25 July along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis of the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route.

He arrived with two male children, voluntarily laying down his arms before the troops.

Preliminary profiling by the Theatre Command identified the individual as the chief finance operative of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, where he reportedly managed the terrorist group’s financial activities and logistics support.

Military authorities further disclosed that about 46 terrorists and their family members have voluntarily surrendered in recent days, suggesting that the combination of kinetic operations and intelligence-led campaigns is steadily weakening ISWAP’s cohesion and sustainment capabilities.

Panic gripped the Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State late Sunday after a student hostel reportedly collapsed, leaving several occupants feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Eyewitnesses said a loud bang was heard moments before the multi-storey building gave way, sending students and residents rushing to the scene in confusion and fear.

“We heard a loud bang, and within seconds people were screaming for help. Everyone rushed out to see what had happened,” an eyewitness said.

The Sun reported that videos and photos circulating on social media showed a large crowd gathered around the collapsed structure as residents, students and emergency responders launched frantic rescue efforts to locate survivors.

A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.

Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.

One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.