Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Borno State. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Bubba Hamadu, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, August 24, in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, preliminary interrogation following his arrest led to the discovery of a photograph on his mobile phone showing him alongside unidentified individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.
The discovery reportedly raised suspicions about his possible links to ISWAP elements operating in the area. Items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and eye drops. The military said Hamadu had been transferred to the Headquarters of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks and their facilitators within the Lake Chad Basin. The military said, “The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable,” adding that troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained “satisfactory.”
Security forces continue to rely on community-based intelligence, patrols and targeted operations to identify suspected terrorists and facilitators in areas affected by insurgency.
