Nigerian military captures suspected ISWAP spy in Borno

Troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of being a spy for the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, along the Cross-Kukawa road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to a post on X by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, the suspect, identified as Mallam Garba Audi, was arrested at about 9:55 a.m. on September 3, 2026.

Zagazola said the arrest followed human intelligence indicating the possible movement of a suspected ISWAP spy from Monguno towards Kukawa.

According to him, acting on the intelligence, troops intensified surveillance around their defensive location and arrested Audi, who was reportedly found wandering along the Cross-Kukawa road.

He added that during preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to have lost his way after travelling from Digimari in northern Borno.

The security expert further disclosed that troops recovered cement bags containing clothing and mosquito nets from the suspect.

“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody and are to be transferred to 19 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation,” he said.