In the dusty terrain of Konduga Local Government Area in Borno State, where years of conflict have reshaped communities and destinies, a quiet but symbolic moment unfolded on Thursday, February 26, 2026. A young woman, burdened by loss and uncertainty, walked into a military formation not with weapons, but with her two-year-old child and a resolve to abandon a life shaped by insurgency.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai received the 25-year-old woman, identified as Kultum Dalhah, at the Forward Operating Base in Konduga at about 11:00 a.m. Her journey from Sabsawa Village to the military post was more than a physical movement; it was a crossing from fear to hope, from isolation to the possibility of reintegration.
A Turning Point After Loss
According to military sources, Dalhah’s surrender was driven by a deeply personal tragedy. Her husband, who reportedly served as the commander of the Mairam Buri enclave of the terrorist group, had recently been neutralised by troops during a firefight. The operation, part of ongoing offensives against insurgent strongholds, dealt a decisive blow to the faction’s structure.
For Dalhah, the death of her husband became a turning point. Preliminary interrogation revealed that she felt compelled to abandon the group after its leadership collapsed. She reportedly confirmed that the elimination of the commander triggered disarray among members, leading to fragmentation and loss of cohesion.
Her testimony highlights a recurring trend in the counterinsurgency campaign. Military analysts say targeted operations against key leaders of the group have continued to weaken its command and control structures. This, in turn, has increased the number of defections and surrenders.
The Human Face of Insurgency
The image of Dalhah arriving with her young child reflects the often-overlooked reality of the insurgency: women and children caught in cycles of violence. Many are not only victims but also reluctant participants in extremist networks, forced into marriages or coerced into roles that support insurgent activities.
Security experts note that the insurgency in the North-East has evolved, with increasing involvement of women in logistics, intelligence gathering and propaganda. However, many of these women also represent a key pathway to dismantling extremist structures when they choose to surrender.
According to officials in Operation Hadin Kai, every surrender offers critical intelligence. Such information helps troops track remaining cells, disrupt recruitment and prevent attacks. Dalhah’s account that the group disintegrated after the death of its leader is seen as further evidence of the impact of sustained military pressure.
Beyond the Battlefield
Her surrender also underscores the importance of non-kinetic strategies in the fight against terrorism. While military operations continue to degrade the capabilities of Boko Haram and its affiliates, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes have become central to long-term peacebuilding.
Authorities in the region have intensified efforts to encourage defections, promising fair treatment and access to rehabilitation initiatives. Programmes designed to deradicalise and reintegrate former fighters aim to reduce the risk of recidivism and rebuild trust within affected communities.
Community leaders in Borno State say stories like Dalhah’s can help persuade others still trapped within insurgent enclaves to surrender. They argue that publicising such cases demonstrates both the weakening of terrorist groups and the willingness of the government to support those seeking a second chance.
A Fragile Hope
As Dalhah and her child begin the uncertain process of rehabilitation, her story reflects a broader reality: the war against insurgency is not only fought with weapons but also with opportunities for redemption. Each surrender represents not just a tactical gain but a potential step toward lasting peace.
For communities long scarred by violence, the surrender of one woman may appear small. Yet, in a conflict where fear and mistrust have endured for over a decade, such moments carry powerful symbolism.
They remind both soldiers and civilians that even in the shadow of extremism, the human desire for safety, stability and a future for the next generation can prevail.
