Four family members linked to terrorists flee ISWAP enclave, surrender to troops in Borno

Four family members linked to terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the individuals surrendered at about 8:30 a.m. on July 10 to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised), deployed in Gwoza.

The sources said the group comprised two women, a teenager and an infant who fled from the Kunde terrorist enclave, one of the remaining hideouts used by Boko Haram/ISWAP elements in the Mandara Mountains.

The surrendered persons were identified as Hauwa Muhammadu, 40; Aisha Muhammadu, 22; Adamu Muhammadu, 15; and 10-month-old Muhammad Mustapha.

According to preliminary findings, the family told investigators that they escaped from the enclave due to sustained military pressure on the terrorists’ positions and worsening humanitarian conditions within the camp.

“The family disclosed that continuous offensive operations by troops, coupled with severe shortages of food and other basic necessities, made survival in the enclave increasingly difficult, forcing them to flee,” a military source said.

During the screening process, troops recovered a total of N32,100 from the family.

Military sources said the four individuals were properly screened and documented in line with established procedures and are currently in the custody of the 192 Battalion for further profiling and appropriate administrative action.

Security sources noted that sustained ground and air offensives by Operation HADIN KAI have continued to weaken terrorist strongholds across the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa axis, resulting in a steady stream of escapes and surrenders by family members and other persons previously held within insurgent-controlled enclaves.

They added that the continued surrender of women and children reflects the growing pressure on terrorist camps as military operations intensify across the North-East.