Troops of 25 Military Intelligence Regiment, in conjunction with hybrid forces, have arrested a 51-year-old man suspected of acting as an informant for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Damboa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State.
A military source told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Umar Kaigama, was arrested at about 7:15 p.m. on August 10, 2026. Preliminary investigation revealed that Kaigama allegedly specialised in moving civilians, particularly women, from the IDP camp into the bush to meet with suspected terrorists.
Arrest and Preliminary Findings
The suspect is currently in the custody of Headquarters 25 Brigade for further investigation and necessary action. The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI to identify and disrupt networks facilitating terrorist activities and movements across the Damboa axis.
Further investigation is expected to determine the extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and identify possible accomplices. According to the military source, the operation underscores the military's commitment to dismantling terrorist support networks in the region.
Ongoing Military Operations
The arrest highlights the continued focus on counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, where IDP camps have sometimes been infiltrated by terrorist elements. The military has intensified patrols and intelligence gathering in the Damboa area to curb such activities.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any women have been rescued or the exact number of incidents linked to the suspect. However, the investigation aims to uncover the full scope of his operations and bring any accomplices to justice.
Impact and Next Steps
The suspect remains in military custody as the investigation progresses. The military has urged the public to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to aid in the fight against terrorism. This arrest is expected to disrupt ISWAP's logistics and recruitment networks in the Damboa axis.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to conduct intelligence-led operations across the North East, with recent successes in neutralizing terrorist threats and restoring peace to affected communities.
