Dozens of Terror-Linked Women, Children Surrender to Borno Troops

Ten women and twenty-four children, identified as family members of suspected terr*rists, have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in Borno State's Mafa Local Government Area. This mass surrender comes in the wake of violent clashes that erupted between rival terr*rist factions within the region.

The group gave themselves up to personnel from the 112 Task Force Battalion, deployed in Mafa under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on August 19, 2026. Security sources, who briefed Zagazola Makama, indicated that the women were aged between 20 and 47 years, while the children's ages ranged from one to 13.

Investigations revealed that these individuals fled the Dukumba terr*rists’ enclave. Their departure was a direct consequence of the intense internal conflicts among the various terr*rist groups operating in that area. Preliminary findings suggest these rival clashes compelled the women and children to abandon the stronghold and seek safety with the military forces.

Following their surrender, the military authorities have begun the process of profiling and documenting the individuals. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to identify, screen, and establish the circumstances surrounding their presence within the terr*rist camp. This development highlights the continuous pressure exerted by troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V against terr*rist formations across the North East. It also underscores the significant impact of internal divisions and infighting among terr*rist factions, which consistently create instability in their enclaves and force vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, to flee.

Security sources further noted that the overall situation across the theatre of operations remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining satisfactory morale and operational readiness.