Troops arrest suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of a suspected ISWAP member, and destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) during separate operations across Borno State.

According to an operational report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, troops of the 195 Battalion, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward of Mafa Local Government Area.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly met with terrorists at Labe village, where he provided intelligence on troop movements and military activities.

The report also disclosed that troops of the 73 Battalion took into custody a suspected ISWAP member in Konduga Local Government Area after he voluntarily surrendered.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in three attacks on Delwa and claimed he disposed of his AK-47 rifle in a river before surrendering. Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, bicycle repair tools, and N6,500.

In another operation, troops of the 149 Battalion, in collaboration with CJTF members, arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Gubio Local Government Area. The suspect reportedly confessed to leading the June 16 terrorist infiltration of Gubio, during which a CJTF member was killed.

Elsewhere, troops of the 19 Battalion and the 25 Brigade Garrison intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers near Road Kauji in Damboa Local Government Area. The suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning two bicycles and supplies including cartons of energy drinks, milk, soft drinks, veterinary medicines, and a canopy.

Meanwhile, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade discovered and safely detonated an IED planted in a farming area around Dagari in the Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.

The military said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks, restrict insurgents’ freedom of movement, and strengthen security across the North-East.