Posted by Chinenye on Wed 19th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Seven women and 12 children have surrendered to Nigerian troops in Mafa, Borno State, after reportedly fleeing a terrorist hideout amid hunger and deadly clashes between rival factions.
(The Victims. Photo by The News Chronicle)
In Mafa, Borno State, seven women affiliated with suspected terrorists, as well as twelve children, have surrendered to Operation HADIN KAI soldiers amidst reports of famine and savage fighting between rebel groups.
In a post online that The News report was able to get, security expert Zagazola Makama revealed the development, saying that the women turned themselves in to soldiers from the 112 Task Force Battalion stationed in Mafa on August 17 at approximately 5 p.m.
Falamatai Modu, 30; Kelu Yaga, 25; Fada Yaga, 30; Gwaya Kadi, 25; Hauwa Mallam, 25; Maryam Yusuf, 25; and Fanna Kadi, 40 were identified as the ladies.
Twelve children, ages three months to ten years, were reportedly with them.
According to Makama, preliminary interrogation revealed that the women escaped the Yaganari terrorist enclave due to hunger and rising fears about their safety after violent fights between competing rebel factions.
He stated that the forces profiled and documented the escapees before handing them over to the 24th Task Force Brigade Military Intelligence Regiment for further action.
Makama stated that the occurrence highlights the increasing pressure on terrorist sanctuaries in the Northeast, where ongoing military operations and internal factional battles have disrupted the terrorists' activity and survival networks.
He also stated that the overall security situation in the theater remained calm yet unpredictable, while troop morale and fighting effectiveness remained satisfactory.