Security operatives have arrested a 25-year-old man, Mubarak Mohammed, at Kashim Ibrahim University in Maiduguri, Borno State, on suspicion of acting as an informant for terrorist groups. The suspect was apprehended on July 1, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m. at the university’s Njimtilo campus while wearing desert military camouflage, which drew the attention of troops.
Suspect’s claims unravel under interrogation
According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama on Monday, Mohammed claimed during preliminary questioning that he was a newly admitted student of the university and had borrowed the uniform from a civilian friend to attend the institution’s Career Week programme. However, interrogators quickly found inconsistencies in his story.
The sources revealed that the suspect could not communicate in English, failed to produce a valid student identity card, and was unable to access the university’s student portal on his mobile phone to verify his admission status. Troops then contacted university management through the institution’s Systems Manager, who confirmed that Mohammed was not a registered student.
University official contradicts suspect’s story
The university official further informed troops that only final-year students were participating in the Career Week activities, contradicting Mohammed’s claim that he attended as a newly admitted student. This discrepancy deepened suspicions that the suspect may have been gathering intelligence under the guise of a soldier.
Security sources said Mohammed is being investigated over suspicions of criminal intelligence gathering. He remains in custody at the 73 Battalion for further investigation.
Military warns against impersonation
Military authorities have reiterated their warning against the unlawful use of military uniforms, noting that impersonating members of the Armed Forces poses a serious security threat and could be exploited by criminal and terrorist elements. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where Boko Haram and other insurgent groups operate.
