17 ISWAP-linked persons surrender to troops amid factional clashes, hardship in Borno
No fewer than 17 persons linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), including terrorist family members and a suspected fighter, have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in Borno State amid reported factional clashes, internal disagreements and worsening conditions in terrorist enclaves.
The surrenders, which occurred between September 19 and 25, 2026, were recorded in Dikwa, Bama and Ngala Local Government Areas of the state, according to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama.
Those who surrendered included women and children who reportedly fled terrorist-controlled locations, as well as a suspected ISWAP fighter who escaped from a terrorist camp before turning himself in to troops.
The first incident occurred at about 12:42 p.m. on September 19, when a woman identified as a terrorist family member surrendered with her two children to troops of 24 Task Force Brigade at Check Point 1 along the Dikwa-Ajiri road in Dikwa LGA.
The woman and her children were taken into custody for preliminary screening and further processing.
Two days later, at about 8:10 a.m. on September 21, another woman and her child surrendered to troops of the same brigade at the checkpoint along the Dikwa-Ajiri axis.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the woman had escaped from the Yaganari terrorist enclave to Gonori village in Mafa LGA following factional clashes among terrorists.
She reportedly disclosed that her husband, identified as Bakura Modu, was an ISWAP fighter.
Later that day, at about 2 p.m., three additional terrorist family members surrendered to troops of 151 Battalion at Bula Daloye in Bama LGA.
The three were taken into custody and processed for further action.
On September 24, at about 11:24 a.m., troops of 24 Task Force Brigade received the surrender of a suspected terrorist at Check Point 1 along the Dikwa-Ajiri road.
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Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had escaped from a terrorist camp in Gargash before reaching the military checkpoint. He was subsequently taken into custody for further investigation and profiling.
Also on September 24, at about 5:20 p.m., seven terrorist family members surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Arabic IDP Camp in Ngala community, Ngala LGA.
The seven were handed over to officials of the IDP camp for management and further necessary action.
The latest surrender occurred at about 1:55 p.m. on September 25, when a woman and her son turned themselves in to troops in Bama.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the woman had escaped from a terrorist camp in Bula Daloye following internal disagreements and hardship within the enclave.
She reportedly identified herself as a native of Bula Daloye and disclosed that she was married to a terrorist fighter identified as Ibrahim Usman.
The woman and her son remain in military custody pending further investigation.
The series of surrenders comes amid intensified military operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and the Air Component of the Nigerian Armed Forces against terrorist positions across the North-East.
Ground operations, patrols, clearance activities and air operations have continued to target terrorist positions, movements and logistics, with the aim of degrading their operational capabilities and restricting their freedom of movement.
Security sources said the pressure, coupled with reported factional clashes and internal disagreements, has contributed to the movement of some family members and associates away from terrorist-controlled enclaves.
Some of those who surrendered reportedly cited insecurity within the enclaves and difficult living conditions, including limited access to food and other essential supplies.
The latest development provides an indication of the pressure being exerted on terrorist networks and their support structures, particularly in areas where sustained military operations have disrupted movement and logistics.
The 17 persons remain under the custody or management of relevant military formations and camp authorities for screening, investigation and other necessary procedures.
