Teenage girl escapes Mandara Mountains terrorist enclave, surrenders to troops in Gwoza
By Zagazola Makama
A 16-year-old girl suspected to be a family member of Boko Haram insurgents has surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the teenager, identified as Amina Ali, surrendered to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Main), at Gwoza at about 9:50 a.m. on July 30.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that Amina escaped from the Guduf Bubayagwa terrorist enclave located in the Mandara Mountains after enduring harsh living conditions.
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She reportedly told the troops that she could no longer remain in the camp due to the lack of basic necessities, prompting her to flee and seek safety with the military.
The sources said the teenager underwent standard screening and documentation procedures in line with the military’s protocol for persons escaping from insurgent-controlled areas.
She is currently in military custody pending further profiling and appropriate humanitarian and administrative processes.
Military authorities said the surrender reflects the continued pressure being mounted on terrorist enclaves under Operation HADIN KAI, which has contributed to worsening living conditions within insurgent camps and encouraged more defections and escapes.
The sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops continue sustained offensive operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements.