Nigerian troops have intercepted a 20-year-old woman and her two-year-old child near the Mandara Mountains in Borno State as they allegedly attempted to enter a terrorist enclave, the military said on Tuesday.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI along the Gwoza-Pulka Road, a route that has remained a major focus of counter-terrorism activity in the Northeast.
According to the brigade, the woman was identified as Aisha Idrisa. She was moving on foot with her toddler when soldiers stopped her at a checkpoint close to the mountainous border area. A search revealed she was carrying an Itel mobile phone, an extra battery, and a set of clothing.
During preliminary questioning, Aisha claimed she was on her way to her farm. However, military intelligence linked her movement to an attempt to access a known terrorist-held enclave in the Mandara range. Based on that assessment, she was taken into custody for further interrogation.
“The interception prevented a possible link-up with remnants of terrorists operating in the area,” a brigade source said. “The child is being cared for by military welfare personnel pending further action.”
The Mandara Mountains sit on Nigeria’s border with Cameroon and have long been used as hideouts by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters. The terrain makes large-scale operations difficult, but troops have sustained pressure in the area throughout 2026.
Earlier this year, soldiers conducted multiple rescue missions in Ngoshe community after attacks linked to the same enclaves. Several abducted civilians, including women and children, were freed and handed over to state authorities for rehabilitation.
Security analysts say the movement of young women and children toward such enclaves remains a concern. In some cases, investigations have shown coercion or deception. In others, individuals attempt to reunite with family members linked to terrorist groups.
The 26 Task Force Brigade said Aisha Idrisa is undergoing interrogation to determine her exact motive, contacts, and whether she was acting under duress. The items recovered from her are being forensically examined.
Operation HADIN KAI commanders reiterated that civilians in border communities should report suspicious movements and avoid routes known to be used by insurgents.
“The safety of children remains a priority,” the brigade noted. “We will continue to profile cases with care while ensuring that security gaps are not exploited…See More
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