Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected informant linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plot to facilitate attacks on military formations in Borno State, in what military authorities described as another significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by personnel of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Chabbol, following intelligence reports indicating that insurgents were planning coordinated attacks on military positions within the area.
According to military sources, the arrest was made during a routine security patrol conducted around the base’s defensive perimeter. The suspect was reportedly intercepted approximately 500 metres from the anti-vehicle defensive ditch surrounding the military facility after his movements raised suspicion among troops on patrol.
Preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspect to a planned attack targeting both the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, and the Forward Operating Base, Chabbol.
Security sources believe the suspect may have been conducting reconnaissance activities or gathering intelligence that could have aided insurgents in executing the planned assault.
Military officials disclosed that initial interrogation of the suspect allegedly revealed that the attackers intended to continue with the operation even if he was apprehended before the attack could be launched. The military, however, has not independently verified the claim, and investigations remain ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and identify other individuals who may have participated in the alleged plot.
Following the arrest, commanders immediately ordered the reinforcement of security around the affected military formations. Additional troops were reportedly deployed to strategic locations, while surveillance and reconnaissance activities were intensified to detect and prevent any attempted infiltration or coordinated attack by insurgent elements.
The arrest underscores the increasing reliance of terrorist groups on intelligence gathering and local informants to monitor troop movements, identify vulnerabilities in military installations, and coordinate attacks on security personnel. Military analysts have consistently noted that disrupting such intelligence networks remains a critical aspect of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai has, in recent months, sustained aggressive intelligence-driven operations aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions operating across Borno and neighbouring states. The operation combines ground offensives, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with local communities to identify suspected collaborators and dismantle insurgent support networks.
Military authorities have repeatedly urged residents of communities across the North-East to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies. They stressed that timely information from civilians has continued to play a vital role in preventing attacks and supporting ongoing security operations.
Counter-insurgency efforts in Borno State have recorded a series of operational successes in recent months, including the neutralisation of insurgents, the recovery of arms and ammunition, the destruction of terrorist camps, and the rescue of abducted civilians. Despite these gains, security experts maintain that insurgent groups continue to pose a threat through asymmetric tactics such as ambushes, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and attacks on isolated military positions.
The latest arrest highlights the military’s continued emphasis on intelligence-led operations designed not only to confront insurgents on the battlefield but also to disrupt the networks that provide them with logistical support, information, and operational planning.
Military sources confirmed that the suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation. Authorities are expected to use intelligence obtained from the suspect to identify other members of the alleged network, determine the scope of the planned attacks, and strengthen security measures around military installations across the theatre of operations.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while enhancing the protection of military personnel and civilian communities in the North-East. The military also reiterated its resolve to work closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to deny insurgents the opportunity to regroup or launch fresh attacks, as efforts continue to restore lasting peace and stability across the region. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
