16-year-old family member of Boko Haram terrorist escapes and surrenders to troops in Borno

A 16-year-old family member of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist has surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

A military source said the teenager, identified as Isa Umaru, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Motorised) deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Pulka at about 8:45 a.m. on June 14, 2026. 

The source disclosed that the teenager escaped from a terrorist enclave at Chikide in the Mandara Mountains and voluntarily presented himself to the troops.

According to the source, the escapee revealed during preliminary screening that sustained military operations against terrorist strongholds and shortages of basic necessities within the camp had created disarray among the insurgents, prompting his decision to flee.

Items found in his possession included 12 pieces of detergent and a wristwatch.

The source added that the teenager was properly screened, documented and is currently in military custody for further necessary action in line with established procedures.

The surrender is the latest in a series of defections linked to ongoing counter-insurgency operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging disengagement from insurgent groups in the North-East.

Military authorities said the security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale and operational effectiveness.