Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plan to attack two military formations in Borno State.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol after intelligence reports indicated an imminent terrorist attack.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, Shuaibu was arrested during a routine perimeter patrol about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the military base.
The report, quoting military sources, said the operation was carried out following credible human intelligence on an impending attack.
Preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspect to a planned assault on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, as well as the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol.
Military sources further claimed that the suspect admitted during interrogation that the attack had been planned and alleged that the terrorists intended to proceed with the operation regardless of his arrest.
Following the arrest, troops reportedly reinforced security around the targeted military formations and strengthened defensive measures to prevent any attempted attack.
The suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.
The arrest forms part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks and enhancing the security of military formations across Nigeria’s North-East.
