Seven women linked to suspected terrorists, accompanied by 12 children, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Mafa, Borno State, amid reports of hunger and violent clashes between rival insurgent factions.
Security expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X obtained by The News Chronicle, stating that the women surrendered at about 5 p.m. on August 17 to troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion deployed in Mafa.
The women were identified as Falamatai Modu, 30; Kelu Yaga, 25; Fada Yaga, 30; Gwaya Kadi, 25; Hauwa Mallam, 25; Maryam Yusuf, 25; and Fanna Kadi, 40.
They were reportedly accompanied by 12 children aged between three months and 10 years.
According to Makama, preliminary interrogation showed that the women fled the Yaganari terrorist enclave because of hunger and growing concerns for their safety following violent clashes between rival insurgent factions.
He said the escapees were profiled and documented by the troops before being handed over to the 24 Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence Regiment for further action.
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Makama said the development underscored the growing pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North-East, where sustained military operations and internal factional conflicts have continued to disrupt the groups’ activities and survival networks.
He added that the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and combat effectiveness remained satisfactory.
