Woman escapes Boko Haram enclave, surrenders to troops in Borno

A woman linked to a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist family has escaped from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.

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Military sources disclosed that the woman, identified as Ghwa’a Biwa, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed at a company location in Gwoza Local Government Area.

According to the sources, the woman escaped from the enclave of a terrorist commander known as Wa’a, located within the Mandara Mountains, before presenting herself to the troops on June 2, 2026.

Preliminary screening revealed that worsening living conditions in the camp, including a shortage of basic necessities, compelled her to flee the insurgents’ hideout.

The sources said the escapee informed security personnel that sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the area had also contributed to the difficult conditions being experienced by insurgents and their families.

“She was properly screened and documented upon surrender and is currently in military custody for further necessary action,” the sources said.

The development is the latest in a series of surrenders and escapes from terrorist camps in the North-East, which security analysts have attributed to sustained military operations and increased pressure on insurgent groups operating in the region.

Military authorities noted that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops continued to maintain a high level of vigilance.

They added that the morale and fighting efficiency of personnel engaged in ongoing counter-insurgency operations remained satisfactory.

Operation Hadin Kai has continued to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and encouraging insurgents and their family members to abandon violence and embrace peaceful reintegration into society.