Suspected ISWAP spy arrested as troops foil planned attack on military bases in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) spy linked to a planned attack on two military formations in Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol following credible human intelligence on an impending terrorist attack.

The arrest was made at about 7:55 a.m. on June 26, 2026 during a routine perimeter patrol approximately 500 metres ahead of the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had links to a planned ISWAP attack targeting the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, and FOB Chabbol.

The suspect reportedly admitted during interrogation that the attack had been planned and further disclosed that the terrorists intended to carry out the operation regardless of his arrest.

Military sources said the timely arrest enabled troops to heighten security measures around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive preparations against any possible attack.

The suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting terrorist plots, dismantling insurgent networks and enhancing the security of military formations across the North-East.