Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State, a counter-terrorism expert has revealed. The arrests were made during a stop-and-search operation along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari Road, according to Zagazola Makama, who posted the information on X.
Suspects Identified and Cash Recovered
The suspects, identified as Adamu Abdullahi, 20, and Buba Ibrahim, 18, were taken into custody at approximately 10:30 am on Sunday, August 9. During the operation, troops reportedly recovered N131,300 in cash from the two men, raising suspicions about their activities.
Makama, a security analyst with deep knowledge of counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region, stated that the individuals claimed to be herders. However, they were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with terrorist elements and involvement in cattle rustling activities, which are common criminal enterprises in the area.
Ongoing Military Operations
Following their arrest, the suspects were taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary legal action. The arrest is part of broader efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and disrupt individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist groups operating across Borno State.
Makama emphasized the strategic importance of these operations: "The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and disrupt individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist groups operating across Borno State."
Focus on Key Routes
He further explained that troops have been paying particular attention to movements along major routes and rural corridors. These areas are often exploited by terrorist collaborators and criminal networks to facilitate logistics, intelligence gathering, or movement, using civilian activities as cover.
"Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to pay particular attention to movements along major routes and rural corridors, where terrorist collaborators and criminal networks may exploit civilian activities to facilitate logistics, intelligence gathering or movement," he added.
The arrests underscore the military's commitment to dismantling support networks for terrorist groups in the region, which has been plagued by insurgency for over a decade. The recovery of a significant amount of cash suggests that the suspects may have been involved in financing or supplying terrorist operations, though investigations are still ongoing.
This development comes as Nigerian security forces intensify operations against ISWAP and other militant groups in the northeast, aiming to restore peace and stability to the region. The military has urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
