Four family members with ties to terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after fleeing an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The surrender occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on July 10, according to intelligence sources cited by security analyst Zagaza Makama.
Surrender Details and Identities
The group, which surrendered to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed in Gwoza, consists of two women, a teenager, and an infant. They escaped from the Kunde terrorist enclave, one of the remaining strongholds of Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in the Mandara Mountains. The individuals have been identified as Hauwa Muhammadu, 40; Aisha Muhammadu, 22; Adamu Muhammadu, 15; and 10-month-old Muhammad Mustapha.
Reasons for Escape
Preliminary investigations reveal that the family fled due to sustained military pressure on terrorist 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 stated. During screening, troops recovered N32,100 from the family.
Military Operations and Impact
Military sources confirmed that the four individuals have been properly screened and documented in line with established procedures. They 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, leading to a steady stream of escapes and surrenders by family members and others previously held in insurgent-controlled enclaves. The ongoing surrender of women and children underscores the growing pressure on terrorist camps as military operations intensify across the North-East region.
