At least 25 family members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members have reportedly surrendered to Nigerian troops in Borno State.
According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the individuals surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion (Marine) in separate incidents as military operations intensify across the North-East.
The publication reported that on August 30, around 3:45pm, four family members of a terrorist surrendered to troops at a combat outpost in the Ladiri area of the state.
A preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the four individuals were from Arianna, Koloram Yerwa Kura and Tumbuma communities in Marte Local Government Area.
Makama said the suspects were subsequently taken into the custody of the 24 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.
“In a related development, at about 2 p.m. on Sept. 2, another group of terrorist family members comprising seven women and 14 children surrendered to troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion at Mafa in Dikwa Local Government Area of the state,” Makama said.
“Preliminary investigation indicated that the group fled the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to ongoing clashes between rival terrorist factions.”
Makama added that the relevant security agencies were processing the surrendered individuals in line with established procedures.