Three relatives of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have fled the Zarmari enclave and surrendered to Nigerian troops in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, citing hardship and persistent clashes within the group.
Security sources said the three individuals surrendered at about 11:45 a.m. on October 17 to troops of the 202 Battalion and 21 Special Armoured Brigade deployed at Kilo Papa in Bama.
Preliminary investigations indicated that they escaped from the enclave because of difficult living conditions and continued fighting involving ISWAP fighters.
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The individuals were taken into military custody for screening, interrogation and further action, the sources said.
Their surrender comes amid ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in Nigeria’s North-East, where security pressure, internal rivalries and deteriorating living conditions have reportedly contributed to movements among people linked to terrorist groups.
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