…Sustained Military Pressure Compels More JAS Family Members To Surrender To Troops
Sustained offensive operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to exert significant pressure on terrorist elements operating across the North East theatre, resulting in the voluntary surrender of 17 family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in separate incidents in Borno State.
In the first incident, at about 9:15 a.m. on 4 August 2026, 16 JAS family members comprising 10 women and 6 children voluntarily surrendered to troops of 222 Battalion while on a domination patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
During preliminary debriefing, one of the women stated, “We could no longer endure the constant fear and hardship. The soldiers’ presence made it clear there was no future for us in the enclaves.”
A total sum of ₦92,000 was recovered from the group during the process.
Similarly, at about 12:04 p.m. on 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 explained, “I wanted to be free. The soldiers kept coming closer, and I knew it was time to leave.” He also attributed his decision to surrender to the sustained operational pressure being maintained by troops against terrorist elements within the theatre.
The surrendered individuals are currently in military custody and are undergoing preliminary profiling and debriefing. They will subsequently be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further profiling, detailed debriefing, rehabilitation processes where applicable, and other necessary administrative procedures in accordance with extant guidelines.
The latest surrender is a direct outcome of the ongoing operational activities being conducted by troops to dismantle terrorist enclaves, disrupt their lines of communication and logistics, as well as deny them freedom of action within the theatre of operations. A military source emphasised, “Every surrender is a step closer to dismantling the remnants of these groups. Our operations are designed to cut off their lifelines and encourage safe exits for those trapped within.”
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, maintain pressure on terrorist enclaves, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate, while facilitating the safe and voluntary surrender of those willing to lay down their arms in line with established procedures.
