Troops Arrest Four Suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP collaborators In Yobe, Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected collaborators of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in separate intelligence-led operations in Yobe and Borno states, the Nigerian Army said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the military said troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested two suspected Boko Haram collaborators during a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam, Yobe State, on Aug. 3.

According to the Army, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram fighters.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram terrorists, thereby facilitating insurgent activities,” the statement said.

Recovered items included suspected Indian hemp, multiple mobile phones, power banks, knives, torchlights, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, identity cards, ATM cards and ₦14,530 in cash.

In a separate operation in Monguno, Borno State, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, working with the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers following intelligence on terrorist supply routes.

The Army said the suspects allegedly admitted transporting food items and other supplies to ISWAP fighters operating in Kwatan Dowoshi village in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers,” the statement said.

Items recovered included cartons and sachets of biscuits, sugar, milk, soap, garri, headlamps, lighters, two mobile phones, an assault knife, a charm belt, prayer beads, herbal medicine and ₦6,600.

In a related development, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The group comprised nine women, two men, eight girls and one boy. According to the Army, they told investigators they had fled their enclave following sustained military offensives against the terrorist group.

The military said the suspects and intercepted individuals had been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation and profiling.

It added that the operations reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and support networks in the North-East.

The Army’s claims, including the suspects’ alleged confessions, could not be independently verified.