The sustained offensive operations of troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to weaken terrorist groups in the North-East, leading to the voluntary surrender of 17 family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) in separate incidents in Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the first group of 16 family members—comprising 10 women and six children—surrendered to troops of the 222 Battalion at about 9:15 a.m. on August 4 while soldiers were conducting a domination patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area.
During preliminary debriefing, the surrendered individuals said the sustained military pressure on terrorist hideouts compelled them to abandon the insurgents and surrender.
Troops also recovered a total of ₦92,000 from the group.
In a related development, an 11-year-old JAS family member voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 202 Battalion under Sector 1 in Bama Local Government Area at about 12:04 p.m. on the same day. The minor also attributed the decision to the sustained operational pressure mounted by troops against terrorist elements in the theatre.
The military said all 17 individuals are currently in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and debriefing before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further screening, rehabilitation where necessary, and other administrative procedures in line with established guidelines.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest surrender underscores the impact of ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting their logistics and communication networks, and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against terrorist groups while creating opportunities for those willing to surrender voluntarily in accordance with established procedures.
