Troops arrest suspected terrorist informants, logistics suppliers in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of a suspected ISWAP member and destroyed an improvised explosive device, IED, during separate operations across Borno State.

According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday, troops of the 195 Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward, Mafa Local Government Area.

The report said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly met with terrorists at Labe village to provide intelligence on troop movements and activities.

It added that troops of the 73 Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Konduga Local Government Area after he voluntarily surrendered.

According to the report, the suspect confessed to participating in three attacks on Delwa and claimed he dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before surrendering.

Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, bicycle repair tools and N6,500.

In a separate operation, troops of the 149 Battalion and members of the CJTF arrested another suspected terrorist informant in Gubio Local Government Area.

The report said the suspect allegedly confessed to leading the June 16 terrorist infiltration of Gubio, during which a CJTF member was killed.

It further stated that troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers near Road Kauji in Damboa Local Government Area.

The suspects reportedly fled on sighting the troops, abandoning two bicycles, cartons of energy drinks, milk, soft drinks, veterinary medicines and a canopy.

Meanwhile, troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device planted in a farming area around Dagari in the Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.

The military said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks, restrict insurgents’ movement and enhance security across the North-East.