Military Pressure Forces 17 JAS Family Members to Surrender in Borno

​MAIDUGURI — Sustained military offensives in the North East have yielded fresh gains as 17 family members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group voluntarily laid down their arms in Borno State.

​According to a press release issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the developments occurred in separate incidents on August 4, 2026.

​The first incident unfolded at approximately 9:15 a.m. when troops of the 222 Battalion, conducting a domination patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area, intercepted and accepted the voluntary surrender of 16 individuals. The group consisted of 10 women and 6 children. During preliminary debriefings, the returnees revealed that relentless military pressure on terrorist enclaves forced their decision to escape. Troops also recovered the sum of ₦92,000 from the group.

​Hours later, at about 12:04 p.m. on the same day, an 11-year-old minor associated with the JAS faction walked over to troops of the 202 Battalion under Sector 1 in Bama Local Government Area, similarly citing intense operational pressure as the catalyst for his escape.

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​Military authorities confirmed that all surrendered individuals are currently in custody undergoing preliminary profiling and debriefing. They will subsequently be transferred to relevant agencies for formal rehabilitation and administrative processing in accordance with national and international guidelines.

​Command leadership reiterated that Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its mandate to dismantle remaining terrorist networks, disrupt logistics and communication lines, and completely deny criminal elements freedom of movement across the theatre. Troops have vowed to sustain aggressive operations while keeping doors open for willing individuals ready to renounce insurgency and embrace peace.