Borno: 50-year-old Boko Haram, ISWAP member surrenders after escaping enclave

A 50-year-old woman linked to a Boko Haram/ISWAP has escaped from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains and surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.

The development was disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a post shared on his X handle.

Military sources said the woman, identified as Ghwa’a Biwa, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised), deployed at a company location in Gwoza Local Government Area.

According to the sources, she fled from the enclave of a terrorist commander known as Wa’a, located within the Mandara Mountains, before turning herself in to troops on June 2.

Preliminary screening indicated that worsening living conditions inside the camp, including the shortage of basic necessities, contributed to her decision to escape.

The sources also noted that sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the region has further strained conditions for insurgents and their families.

“She was properly screened and documented upon surrender and is currently in military custody for further necessary action,” the sources said.

Security sources added that the incident reflects a growing trend of escapes and surrenders from terrorist camps in the North-East, attributed to intensified military operations across the theatre.

Military authorities said the overall security situation remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high operational vigilance.

They reaffirmed ongoing efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist enclaves and encourage defections from insurgent groups and their families.