Photos: Military Nab 28-year-old Suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram Collaborator In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Saidu Buba, was reportedly arrested on June 1 after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations by military personnel in the area.

Naija News reports that the development was disclosed on Wednesday in a publication by a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama.

Makama, who cited security sources, said the suspect was apprehended after he was spotted around the Dumba general area in company with persons believed to be armed terrorists.

According to the report, a tactical drone operated by the Naval Brigade Lake Chad sighted Buba with individuals suspected to be terrorists before the group dispersed.

Security sources said the suspect was later tracked as he moved towards the location of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion.

Troops subsequently intercepted and arrested him for further questioning.

The arrest was said to have followed sustained surveillance activities by troops operating in the Lake Chad axis, where terrorists and their collaborators have continued to exploit remote communities and movement routes.

During preliminary interrogation, Buba reportedly told investigators that he is a cattle rearer from Kwatan Yobe in Kukawa Local Government Area.

He also said he resides north of the Dumba general area and frequently travels between Dumba and Baga.

Military sources said the suspect claimed he was travelling to Baga to visit his sick brother, identified as Illiasu, when he came in contact with suspected terrorists.

According to the sources, Buba admitted that he received ₦1,000 from the suspected terrorists to buy bread for them.

Items recovered from the suspect included a wristwatch, lighter, bottle of cow milk, popularly known as nono, power bank, Android smartphone, paracetamol tablets, a Fulani hat and ₦30,000 cash.

Security sources, according to Makama, said the recovered items would form part of the ongoing investigation into his alleged links with the terrorist group.

Military authorities said the suspect remained in custody while further investigations continue.

The arrest comes as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue counter-insurgency operations across Borno and other parts of the North-East.

Security forces have in recent months intensified the use of surveillance and intelligence-led operations to track terrorist movements, disrupt supply routes and arrest suspected collaborators.

Military sources said investigations would determine the level of the suspect’s involvement and whether he had been providing logistics or other support to terrorist elements operating in the area.