Troops arrest suspected ISWAP operative, recover photo of armed men in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Bubba Hamadu, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, August 24, by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari and CJTF personnel.

Following his arrest, Hamadu was subjected to preliminary interrogation, during which security personnel reportedly discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing him alongside unidentified men carrying AK-47 rifles.

The discovery reportedly raised suspicions about his alleged links to ISWAP elements operating in the area.

Items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and eye drops.

Hamadu was subsequently transferred to the custody of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin.

Security forces have continued to rely on community intelligence, patrols and targeted arrests to identify suspected terrorists and their facilitators in insurgency-affected areas.

The military said the security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.