Troops Arrest 12 Suspected ISWAP Collaborators, Seize Logistics in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested 12 suspected collaborators of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in separate operations conducted in Borno State as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and disrupt insurgent logistics activities in the North-East.
Military sources disclosed that 11 of the suspects were arrested on June 11 at about 12:27 p.m. by troops of the 19 Brigade Garrison deployed at 61 Checkpoint 1 in Kekeno.
The suspects, led by one Usman Alhaji Bukar, were intercepted while travelling in two civilian vehicles carrying bags. Preliminary investigations indicated that the group was suspected to have ventured into the bush around Ali Sheriffti to recover vehicles allegedly linked to logistics collaborators who had earlier been sighted supplying materials to terrorists before coming under attack during a Nigerian Air Force airstrike conducted on June 6.
During preliminary interrogation, Usman reportedly claimed that the group members were transport workers travelling to Monguno with the vehicles. However, security personnel considered the circumstances surrounding their movement suspicious and subsequently took all 11 suspects into custody for further investigation.
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In a related development, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested another suspected ISWAP collaborator, identified as Abukar Abbagana, 30, during an intelligence-led operation in the Charlie 4 area of Monguno Local Government Area on June 13.
According to military sources, the arrest resulted from coordinated efforts involving intelligence operatives, troops of the 19 Brigade Garrison and CJTF members.
Items recovered from the suspect included a spraying jerrycan, three bottles of pesticide and other materials believed to be associated with terrorist support activities.
While the 11 suspects arrested in Kekeno are being held at the detention facility of the 19 Brigade Garrison pending the outcome of ongoing investigations, Abbagana is currently in the custody of the Headquarters Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) for further interrogation and necessary action.
Military authorities said the arrests underscore the sustained commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to disrupting terrorist logistics networks and degrading insurgent capabilities across the North-East theatre.
The sources added that the overall security situation in the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain high morale, operational readiness and effectiveness in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
By PRNigeria
