Troops Intercept 20 Suspected Boko Haram Family Members Fleeing ISWAP Attack in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 222 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted 20 suspected family members of Boko Haram (Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad – JAS) who reportedly fled their enclave following an attack by rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the group was intercepted at about 9:05 a.m. on Aug. 3 during a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area.
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The sources said the escapees comprised nine women, two adult men, eight female minors and one male child below the age of two years, bringing the total number to 20.
During preliminary interrogation, the intercepted persons reportedly stated that they fled from a JAS enclave in Gezuwa after it came under attack by ISWAP fighters.
According to the sources, the group escaped the area in search of safety before they were intercepted by the troops.
Following initial profiling, the suspected JAS family members were handed over to the 21 Medical Reception Station (21 MIR) for onward movement to the 7 Division Intelligence Branch for further investigation, profiling and other necessary administrative procedures.