Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy over planned attack on Borno bases

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a man suspected of working for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plot to attack two military bases in Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was arrested by troops of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Chabbol after intelligence reports pointed to a planned terrorist attack.

According to military sources quoted by counter-insurgency and security expert Zagazola Makama, the suspect was apprehended during a routine patrol about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the military base.

The arrest followed what the military described as “credible human intelligence” about an impending attack.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to a planned attack on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, also known as Mosquito Camp, and the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol.

Military sources said the suspect admitted during questioning that an attack had been planned and claimed the terrorists intended to proceed with the operation despite his arrest.

The military said the arrest enabled troops to tighten security around the targeted bases and strengthen their defences against any possible attack.

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

The arrest is part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing intelligence-led efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, dismantle insurgent networks, and enhance the security of military formations across Nigeria’s North-East.