ISWAP Fighter’s Female Relative Surrenders to Troops in Borno

ISWAP Fighter’s Female Relative Surrenders to Troops in Borno

A female family member of a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist has surrendered to Nigerian troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai in Dikwa Local Government Area, Borno State, as sustained military offensives continue to weaken insurgent networks in the North-East.

Intelligence sources disclosed that the adult female surrendered at about 6:05 p.m. on February 26, 2026, to troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade deployed in the area. She reportedly approached the troops voluntarily and expressed willingness to disengage from insurgency-related activities.

Preliminary findings revealed that the woman fled from Tokombere Village in Gwoza Local Government Area before making her way to Dikwa, where she turned herself in to the military. Security sources said she had been living under harsh conditions, including food scarcity, fear of air strikes, and constant displacement following intensified military operations against terrorist hideouts.

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The suspect is believed to be a close relative of an active ISWAP fighter, although her exact relationship is still undergoing verification. She is currently in the custody of troops for profiling, intelligence debriefing, and administrative processing, in line with established military procedures.

Sources explained that the surrender is linked to Operation Desert Sanity, a special counter-insurgency offensive being conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai to maintain pressure on ISWAP and Boko Haram remnants across parts of Borno State. The operation has reportedly disrupted terrorist supply routes, logistics chains, and safe havens, forcing fighters and their families to abandon long-held enclaves.

Military authorities noted that the development reflects declining morale within terrorist camps, with increased surrenders recorded in recent weeks. They again urged remaining insurgents and collaborators to lay down their arms, assuring them of humane treatment under the law, while reiterating that military operations will continue until the region is fully secured.

The surrendered woman is expected to be handed over to relevant authorities after military screening for further action, including possible enrolment in rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes.

ISWAP Fighter’s Female Relative Surrenders to Troops in Borno