Two girls linked to ISWAP surrender to troops in Borno

Two teenage girls believed to be family members of terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the girls, identified as 16-year-old Tata Ahmodu and 14-year-old Adama Abubakar, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Mechanised) at the Forward Operating Base in Pulka at about 1:35 p.m. on June 19.

Preliminary findings indicated that the teenagers escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Jongo area around the Dure axis of the Sambisa Forest.

According to the sources, the girls told troops that sustained military operations and worsening living conditions, including a lack of basic necessities in the camp, influenced their decision to flee.

Following their surrender, the teenagers were screened, documented and taken into custody by military authorities for further investigation and other necessary procedures.

Security officials said the development underscores the increasing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East, which has continued to result in defections, surrenders and the rescue of vulnerable persons.

They added that security forces remain committed to sustaining operations aimed at weakening terrorist networks and restoring normalcy to communities affected by insurgency.