Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant, defuse IED in Borno; Nab suspected foreign spy
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recorded fresh operational successes in Borno State with the arrest of a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) informant linked to a deadly attack in Gubio. They also discovered and safely disposed of an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Sambisa Forest.
Security sources disclosed that the suspected ISWAP informant was arrested at about 5:00 p.m. on July 14 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised) in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Gubio Local Government Area.
According to the sources, the suspect allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to serving as an informant for the terrorist group. He further admitted to facilitating the terrorist infiltration of Gubio on June 16, 2026, an attack that resulted in the death of a CJTF operative.
This is as troops of the 68 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected foreign national believed to be involved in intelligence gathering during an exploitation operation in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:22 p.m. on July 13 in Mallam Fatori during intensified clearance and exploitation operations launched after troops successfully repelled a terrorist infiltration attempt on the 19 Brigade position at Cross Kauwa on July 11.
According to the sources, the suspect, identified as Abubakar Mohammed Zen, claimed to be a citizen of the Republic of Niger and told investigators that he had travelled from Duguri in Abadam Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect included a mobile phone, several Airtel recharge cards, a horse and ₦500 in cash.
Military authorities said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further interrogation to establish his true identity, trace his movements and determine any possible links to terrorist groups operating within the Lake Chad Basin.
The arrest is part of ongoing exploitation operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at identifying suspected terrorist collaborators, intelligence operatives and members of logistics and support networks in the aftermath of the failed terrorist infiltration of military positions in the area.
Authorities said investigations are continuing to ascertain the suspect’s role and any potential security implications arising from his activities.
Military authorities said the suspected ISWAP informant linked to the deadly attack in Gubio remains in custody and is undergoing further interrogation to identify other members of the terrorist network and provide additional intelligence on the June attack and related insurgent activities.
In a separate operation on July 15, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison discovered and safely disposed of an improvised explosive device planted by suspected terrorists in the Dagari area of the Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.
The explosive device was detected at about 9:50 a.m. during a fighting patrol in a farming area where civilians have gradually resumed agricultural activities following improved security.
According to military sources, the IED had been concealed by suspected terrorists with the intention of targeting troops or unsuspecting civilians, particularly farmers returning to cultivate their farmlands.
Following the discovery, the troops secured the area and successfully neutralised the explosive device in situ in accordance with standard explosive ordnance disposal procedures, preventing any casualties or damage.
Military authorities said the operations underscore the sustained efforts of Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist support networks, disrupt insurgent activities and eliminate explosive threats across the North-East. They added that troops have intensified intelligence-driven operations, fighting patrols and route clearance missions to enhance security, protect civilians and consolidate gains against insurgents in the region.
