In a significant development in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the Northeast, two teenage girls believed to be family members of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have voluntarily surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to military sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the surrender of these young girls represents another victory in the military’s efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the region. The sources confirmed that the teenagers gave themselves up without any resistance, marking yet another instance of ISWAP-linked individuals choosing to abandon the extremist group.
A Growing Trend of Surrenders
This latest development adds to the increasing number of Boko Haram and ISWAP members, including their family members, who have been surrendering to Nigerian security forces in recent months. The trend suggests that life within the terrorist camps has become increasingly unbearable, with dwindling resources and mounting military pressure forcing many to seek refuge with government forces.
Pulka, located in Gwoza Local Government Area, has been at the center of counter-insurgency operations for several years. Gwoza itself was once declared the “caliphate” headquarters of Boko Haram in 2014 before being liberated by Nigerian troops. The area continues to witness significant military presence as part of Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military operation aimed at ending terrorism in the Northeast.
The Human Face of Insurgency
The surrender of teenage girls highlights the tragic reality that terrorism in Nigeria affects entire families, with many women and children born or raised in militant camps through no choice of their own. These young people often have limited exposure to normal civilian life and require extensive rehabilitation and reintegration support.
The Nigerian military, in collaboration with state governments and humanitarian organizations, has established de-radicalization programs designed to help former insurgents and their families transition back into society. These programs typically include psychological counseling, vocational training, and educational support.
Ongoing Military Operations
The Nigerian Army, under Operation Hadin Kai, has intensified efforts to clear terrorist strongholds across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Recent operations have led to the neutralization of several high-profile terrorists, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the destruction of terrorist hideouts.
Military authorities continue to encourage members of terrorist groups to lay down their arms and surrender, assuring them of humane treatment and the opportunity to reunite with their families and communities.
What This Means for the Region
Security analysts view the increasing surrenders as evidence that the military’s kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are yielding results. However, they emphasize the need for sustained efforts in addressing the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities in affected communities.
The Borno State Government has been working alongside federal authorities and international partners to create conditions that support the rehabilitation of former insurgents and prevent radicalization of vulnerable populations.
As the fight against terrorism continues, the surrender of these two teenage girls in Pulka serves as a reminder that behind the statistics of the insurgency are real human stories—stories of young people seeking a better life away from violence and extremism.
The Nigerian Army has not yet released an official statement regarding this incident, but military sources confirm that the girls are currently undergoing profiling and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further processing and rehabilitation.
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This is a developing story. More details will be provided on buzzUp9ja as they become available.
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