Two teenage terrorists surrender, 11-year-old female captive rescued

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

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Two teenage members of a terrorist group have surrendered to troops of Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

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Likewise, troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted and taken from her community for a suspected spying mission in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

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This comes as troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of being an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spy along the Cross Kanwa road in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

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Information obtained from credible security sources which was corroborated by a security analyst in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the two, identified as Umar Mohammed, 17, and Aliu Hassan, 13, surrendered at about 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, to troops deployed at Charlie 7 in Monguno town.

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The youths reportedly surrendered with one wristwatch and a catapult.

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“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two had escaped from a terrorist camp in Martab, Marte Local Government Area, citing harsh living conditions at the camp.

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“The surrendered youths and recovered items are currently in the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Branch for further necessary action.

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“The development adds to ongoing efforts by security forces to encourage members of terrorist groups to abandon violence and surrender to authorities,” a source said.

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In another development, troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion have rescued an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted and taken from her community for a suspected spying mission in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

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Identified as Miss Aisha Mustafa, was rescued at about 1:41 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2026, during a routine patrol around the Armuda general area.

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According to the sources, the girl was among three persons allegedly taken from Mountain Village of Saha by two suspected terrorists.

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Preliminary investigation indicated that the terrorists allegedly intended to use the victims to monitor the activities of troops deployed around Ngoshe.

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The sources said that “upon sighting the troops, Aisha fled towards them and surrendered, while the other two individuals reportedly fled back towards the village”.

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The rescued girl is currently receiving necessary assistance as efforts are ongoing to reunite her with her family members.

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Additionally, troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of being an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spy along the Cross-Kukawa road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

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The suspect, identified as Mallam Garba Audi, was arrested at about 9:55 a.m. on Sept. 3, 2026.

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The arrest followed human intelligence indicating the possible movement of an ISWAP spy from Monguno towards Kukawa.

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“Acting on the information, troops intensified surveillance around their defensive location and arrested Audi, who was reportedly found wandering aimlessly along the Cross-Kukawa road.

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“During preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to have lost his way from Digimari in northern Borno.

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“Troops recovered cement bags containing clothing and mosquito nets from the suspect.

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“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and are to be transferred to 19 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation,” sources revealed.

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