Nigerian military captures two suspected ISWAP collaborators in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP.

A counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, made this known in a statement posted on X.

Makama said the suspects were arrested during a stop-and-search operation along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari Road in Borno State.

He further stated that the troops arrested the suspects identified as Adamu Abdullahi, 20, and Buba Ibrahim, 18, at about 10:30 am on Sunday, August 9.

According to him, the troops reportedly recovered N131,300 in cash from the suspects during the operation.

The security expert further pointed out that the two men reportedly claimed to be herders, but were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with terrorist elements and involvement in cattle rustling activities.

He added that after their arrest, they were taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.

“The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to identify and disrupt individuals suspected of providing support to terrorist groups operating across Borno State.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued to pay particular attention to movements along major routes and rural corridors, where terrorist collaborators and criminal networks may exploit civilian activities to facilitate logistics, intelligence gathering or movement,” he said.