Ten women believed to be wives of suspected terrorists, along with 24 children, have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. The group gave themselves up at approximately 4:30 p.m. on August 19, 2026, to personnel of the 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V.
Surrender Follows Violent Clashes Between Rival Terrorist Factions
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the group comprised 10 women aged between 20 and 47 years, alongside 24 children aged between one and 13 years. The women reportedly fled from the Dukumba terrorists’ enclave following violent clashes between rival factions operating in the area. Preliminary investigation indicated that the clashes among the rival groups prompted the women and children to abandon the enclave and seek safety with the troops.
The surrendered persons were subsequently profiled and documented by military authorities as part of ongoing efforts to identify, screen and establish the circumstances surrounding their presence in the terrorist enclave. This documentation process is designed to support broader counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Ongoing Military Pressure in the North East
The development comes amid continued pressure by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V against terrorist formations across the North East. The surrender of the family members also highlights the impact of internal divisions and clashes among terrorist factions, which have continued to create instability within their enclaves and force vulnerable persons, particularly women and children, to flee.
Security sources said the overall situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and operational readiness. The military continues to encourage surrenders as part of its strategy to weaken terrorist networks and protect civilians caught in conflict zones.
