Woman and her two daughters escape Boko Haram enclave in Borno

A 35-year-old woman and her two young daughters have surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army in Borno State after fleeing a suspected Boko Haram enclave over persistent attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and harsh living conditions.

The woman, identified as Maryam Modu, surrendered alongside her daughters, Zainab Modu, five, and Fatima Modu, one, to troops of 202 Battalion, 21 Special Armoured Brigade, Sector 1 Defence Company, during a patrol at about 4:10 p.m. on November 6, 2026.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the family fled the Zarmari Bula Daloye terrorist enclave due to persistent attacks by ISWAP fighters and hardship.

Maryam reportedly told troops that her husband was killed by ISWAP terrorists about nine months ago.

The woman and her daughters were screened and documented and remain in military custody for further action.