Photos: Troops Nab 28-Year-Old Alleged ISWAP/Boko Haram Informant In Borno

According to Ireporter Online, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of collaborating with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Saidu Buba, was reportedly apprehended on June 1 following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations conducted by military personnel in the area.

Security sources, as cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, said the suspect was picked up after he was observed in the Dumba general area in the company of individuals believed to be armed terrorists. A tactical drone operated by the Naval Brigade Lake Chad reportedly tracked Buba alongside the suspected fighters before they dispersed.

Further intelligence led troops to intercept and arrest him as he moved toward the location of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was taken into custody for questioning. The arrest was said to be the result of sustained surveillance operations across the Lake Chad axis, where insurgents and their alleged collaborators continue to exploit remote routes and communities.

During preliminary interrogation, Buba reportedly identified himself as a cattle rearer from Kwatan Yobe in Kukawa LGA, adding that he resides north of the Dumba general area and frequently moves between Dumba and Baga. Military sources further stated that he claimed he was en route to Baga to visit his sick brother when he came into contact with suspected terrorists.

He was also alleged to have admitted receiving ₦1,000 from the suspected fighters to purchase bread for them. Items recovered from him include a wristwatch, lighter, bottle of cow milk (nono), a power bank, an Android phone, paracetamol tablets, a Fulani hat, and ₦30,000 in cash. Authorities said the recovered items are part of ongoing investigations into his alleged links with terrorist elements.

Military officials confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement and possible support roles to terrorist networks operating in the region. They added that Operation Hadin Kai troops have sustained intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting insurgent activities and logistics across Borno and the wider North-East.