By ZAKAA LAZARUS
MAIDUGURI- Sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK),have compelled 17 family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) to voluntarily surrender in separate incidents in Borno State, the military.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri.
According to the statement, the surrender occurred on Monday, 4 August 2026, and were directly linked to the continuous pressure being exerted on terrorist enclaves across the North East theatre.
Captain Goni said at about 9:15 a.m, troops of 222 Battalion on a dominant patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area received 16 JAS family members comprising 10 women and 6 children who surrendered voluntarily.
“During preliminary debriefing, the surrendered individuals disclosed that the sustained military pressure mounted by troops on terrorist enclaves significantly influenced their decision to surrender,” he stated.
The military also recovered a total sum of ₦92,000 from the group.
In a related development, at about 12:04 p.m the same day, an 11 year-old JAS family member voluntarily surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion under Sector 1 in Bama Local Government Area.
The minor, during preliminary debriefing, also attributed his decision to surrender to the operational pressure being maintained by troops against terrorist elements within the theatre.
Captain Goni said the surrendered individuals are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary profiling and debriefing.
He added that they would subsequently be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further profiling, detailed debriefing, rehabilitation where applicable, and other administrative procedures in line with extant guidelines.
The military described the latest surrender as a direct outcome of ongoing operations to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt logistics and communication lines, and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining aggressive offensive operations against terrorist elements across the North East. Troops will continue to dominate identified operational areas and facilitate the safe and voluntary surrender of those willing to lay down their arms,” the statement said.
The surrender of women and children underscores the impact of OPHK’s encirclement and dominance strategy in JAS strongholds. Security analysts note that with restricted access to food and logistics, more families within terrorist camps are opting to surrender.
Authorities said the debriefing process is expected to yield fresh intelligence on terrorist locations, supply routes, and commanders still operating in the Konduga and Bama axes.
