Wife of Neutralized Boko Haram Commander Surrenders with Child in Borno

Wife of Neutralized Boko Haram Commander Surrenders with Child in Borno

A female member of the Boko Haram terrorist group has surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Konduga, Borno State. The 25-year-old woman, identified as Kaltum Dalha, gave herself up to military forces at a Forward Operating Base at approximately 11:00 a.m. on February 26, 2026.

Details of the Surrender

Kaltum Dalha reportedly arrived from Sabsawa Village with her two-year-old child, Awana Dalha. Preliminary investigations conducted by the military revealed that her husband was the terrorist commander of the Mairam Buri enclave. He was neutralized by troops during a recent firefight, as referenced in an earlier operational report.

The report indicated that the death of her husband compelled her to surrender to the troops. During interrogation, she further confirmed that the group had disintegrated following the elimination of their commander. This development highlights the ongoing impact of military operations on terrorist networks in the region.

Context of Military Operations

Operation Hadin Kai has sustained intensified offensives in recent months, resulting in significant achievements. These include the neutralization of several terrorist commanders, numerous arrests, recoveries of arms and ammunition, and the surrender of fighters and their family members. The surrender of Kaltum Dalha and her child is part of this broader trend, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained military pressure.

The military's efforts have not only disrupted terrorist activities but also encouraged defections, weakening the operational capacity of groups like Boko Haram. This incident underscores the human dimension of the conflict, with family members often caught in the crossfire and seeking safety through surrender.

As operations continue, authorities are monitoring for further surrenders and working to reintegrate those who defect into society. The case of Kaltum Dalha serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced in combating terrorism in Northeast Nigeria.