Troops intercept two suspected JAS family members heading to Mandara Mountains
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted two persons suspected to be family members of fighters belonging to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction while allegedly attempting to reach terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains.
The suspects were intercepted at about 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2026, by troops of 192 Battalion (Mechanised) during a patrol along the Gwoza–Limankara Road in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the two suspects were intercepted while travelling towards the Gathahure/Kunde areas of the Mandara Mountains, where JAS elements are known to operate.
Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that the suspects had departed Kaleri Street in Maiduguri on Sept. 11 and travelled to Gwoza Local Government Area.
During the operation, troops recovered one mobile phone, one wristwatch, one knife and ₦10,800 in cash from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
The interception forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops to monitor movements towards known terrorist enclaves and disrupt efforts by terrorist networks to facilitate the movement of personnel and families into their areas of operation
