Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), on Thursday, August 27, announced the arrest of 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 2:22pm on Monday, by troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari and CJTF personnel.
Hamadu was subjected to preliminary interrogation following his arrest, during which security personnel discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing him alongside unidentified men carrying AK-47 rifles.
The discovery raised suspicions about his links to ISWAP elements operating in the area.
Items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, umbrella, arrow, prayer beads, 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 forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners to identify and disrupt terrorist networks operating across the Lake Chad Basin.
Security forces have continued to rely on community intelligence, patrols and targeted operations to identify suspected terrorists, facilitators and other individuals linked to insurgent activities in affected communities.
The discovery of the photograph on Hamadu’s mobile phone is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as they work to establish the identities of the individuals pictured with him and determine their possible links to ISWAP.
The military has continued to strengthen collaboration between regular troops and local security structures, including the CJTF, as part of efforts to improve intelligence gathering and prevent terrorist groups from consolidating their presence in communities across Borno State.
The security situation across the theatre was described as calm but unpredictable, while troops were said to maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
Investigations into the suspect and his alleged affiliations are ongoing.
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