Six family members affiliated with Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, the military has confirmed. The individuals escaped from the Wa'a terrorist enclave located in the Mandara Mountains before voluntarily presenting themselves to soldiers from C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised) deployed in the area.
Two Separate Surrender Incidents on July 24, 2026
The surrender occurred in two separate incidents on July 24, 2026. The first group, consisting of Samaila Vuringwa (55), Falmata Samaila (13), and Walida Samaila (10), approached the military location at approximately 7:45 a.m. Preliminary investigations revealed that they had fled the Wa'a enclave in the Mandara Mountains, a known stronghold of the insurgent group. Items recovered from this group included primary and secondary school certificates as well as the sum of N460,000.
Later that same day, a second group of three family members—Amina Nahadiye (64), Zainabu Zaza (62), and Amina Mugula (61)—surrendered to the same troops at about 1:35 p.m. Military sources stated that preliminary screening confirmed this group also escaped from the Wa'a enclave. Items recovered from them included two torchlights and the sum of N252,000.
Profiling and Custody Procedures
All six individuals have undergone preliminary profiling, documentation, and security screening. They are currently in the custody of 192 Battalion for further investigation and processing in line with established operational procedures, according to military officials.
Military Operations Intensify Against Terrorist Strongholds
The military said the latest surrender underscores the sustained pressure being mounted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI against terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains. This pressure is compelling more insurgents and their family members to abandon the enclaves. Military authorities added that operations across the North-East theatre remain generally calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining aggressive clearance operations and sustained dominance of key operational areas.
The surrender of these six family members highlights the ongoing efforts by Nigerian forces to dismantle Boko Haram's infrastructure and encourage defections. The military continues to urge remaining insurgents and their families to surrender and reintegrate into society.
