Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Bubba Hamadu, 25, was arrested at about 2:22 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, by troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari alongside CJTF members.

According to sources the suspect was subjected to preliminary interrogation following his arrest.

During the process, security personnel reportedly discovered a photograph on his mobile phone showing the suspect alongside unidentified individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.

The discovery raised suspicion about the suspect’s possible links with ISWAP elements operating within the area.

Items recovered from him included one Tecno mobile phone, an umbrella, an arrow, prayer beads, a mirror and an eye drop.

The military said Hamadu had been transferred into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by troops and local security partners aimed at identifying and disrupting terrorist networks operating within the Lake Chad Basin.

Security forces have continued to rely on community-based intelligence, patrols and targeted arrests to identify suspected terrorists and facilitators in areas affected by insurgency.

The military said the general security situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remained satisfactory.