Teenage relatives of ISWAP members surrender to Nigerian Army

Two teenage girls believed to be related to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops operating in Borno State.

The girls, identified as 16-year-old Tata Ahmadu and 14-year-old Adma Abubakar, reportedly turned themselves in to soldiers attached to the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Forward Operating Base in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area.

Security sources said the surrender occurred at about 1:35 p.m. on June 19.

According to information obtained from military sources, the teenagers escaped from a terrorist hideout located in the Jongo area around the Dure general area of the Sambisa Forest axis before making their way to the military formation.

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Preliminary investigations indicated that persistent military operations against insurgents, coupled with shortages of essential supplies within the camp, influenced their decision to leave the enclave.

Following their arrival, the girls underwent screening and documentation procedures and were subsequently taken into military custody for further investigation and other necessary administrative processes.

Security officials described the development as another indication of the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist groups in the North-East, noting that ongoing operations have continued to result in surrenders, defections and the rescue of vulnerable individuals.

They maintained that military efforts would continue in order to weaken insurgent networks and support the restoration of peace and normal activities across affected communities.

(ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA)