Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Plot, Arrest Suspected Spy, Logistics Suppliers in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attack on military formations in Borno State and dismantled elements of the group’s logistics network through a series of intelligence-led operations that resulted in multiple arrests and the interception of equipment believed to be destined for terrorist elements.
Intelligence sources revealed that the coordinated operations, conducted on June 26 across different parts of Borno State, underscore the military’s intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist plots, dismantle support networks and deny insurgents access to critical logistics.
In one of the operations, troops of the 212 Battalion deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol arrested a suspected ISWAP spy, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, following credible human intelligence on an impending terrorist attack.
The suspect was apprehended at about 7:55 a.m. during a routine perimeter patrol approximately 500 metres ahead of the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.
Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to a planned ISWAP assault targeting the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, and FOB Chabbol. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted that the attack had been planned and disclosed that the terrorists intended to proceed with the operation regardless of his arrest.
Military sources said the intelligence obtained from the suspect enabled troops to reinforce security around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive measures against any potential attack. He has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, troops of the 222 Battalion (Mechanised) arrested a suspected ISWAP logistics supplier, Abdullahi Hamza, in Malari village, Konduga Local Government Area, while he was allegedly attempting to deliver supplies to insurgent fighters.
The operation, carried out at about 10:00 p.m., followed sustained surveillance and communication intercepts on suspected terrorist logistics networks operating within the area.
Read Also:
Items recovered from the suspect included a loaf of bread, two bottles of soft drinks, a pack of sewing needles and thread, materials investigators believe were intended for ISWAP operatives.
During preliminary interrogation, Hamza reportedly confessed that he was on his way to meet an ISWAP member whose telephone number had earlier been identified through intelligence intercepts.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of a second suspect, Haruna Abubakar, a member of a local vigilante group in Maiduguri, who is alleged to have acted as an accomplice in the logistics network.
Both suspects have been handed over to military intelligence authorities for further investigation and profiling.
In another operation aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion intercepted a tricycle and a consignment of solar generators and panels suspected to be intended for terrorist logistics during a stop-and-search operation along the Potiskum-Maiduguri highway.
The interception occurred at about 8:00 p.m. after troops stopped a truck bearing registration number KTG 647 ZZ transporting a tricycle without valid ownership or transportation documents.
A subsequent search led to the interception of a Volkswagen Sharan with registration number KRD 74 XL carrying 16 solar panels and 16 solar generators, also without valid documentation.
Three suspects—Abdullahi Nasiru, 39, and Anas Danliti, 35, both from Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi State, and Kabiru Yakubu, 55, from Hardokwala Local Government Area of Taraba State—were arrested in connection with the recovery.
The suspects and the recovered equipment remain in the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion as investigations continue to determine the ownership, intended destination and possible links between the items and terrorist activities.
Military sources said the coordinated operations reflect the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led counter-terrorism efforts by Operation Hadin Kai in disrupting insurgent attack plans, dismantling logistics and support networks, and preventing the movement of equipment that could enhance the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.
The sources added that troops would sustain aggressive surveillance, intelligence exploitation, covert operations and checkpoint enforcement across the North-East to identify and neutralise individuals providing material or operational support to terrorist organisations.
By PRNigeria
