Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 37-year-old man suspected of working as an informant for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a patrol operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Umar Isah, was apprehended on June 20 by soldiers of the 154 Task Force Battalion operating in the North-East.
According to the sources, Isah, a resident of Dawu village in Borno State, was arrested during a routine morning patrol carried out by troops to secure defensive positions and prevent terrorist activities within the battalion’s area of responsibility.
The patrol formed part of ongoing operations aimed at protecting communities and strengthening security around military formations in the insurgency-hit region.
Although no incriminating items were found on the suspect at the time of his arrest, military authorities believe further investigations could help uncover useful intelligence about terrorist activities and possible support networks operating within local communities.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) of Sector 2 for further investigation and necessary action.
A security source said the arrest was part of sustained intelligence-led efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to weaken terrorist groups by targeting not only armed fighters but also those suspected of providing information, logistics and other forms of support.
“The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist networks, identify collaborators and deny insurgent groups access to information and logistical support within communities across the North-East,” the source said.
The development highlights the growing role of intelligence gathering in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign. Security experts have repeatedly warned that insurgent groups often depend on local informants to monitor troop movements, identify vulnerable targets and obtain supplies needed to sustain their operations.
By identifying and arresting suspected collaborators, the military hopes to cut off the channels through which terrorist groups receive critical support.
Operation Hadin Kai is the military operation established to tackle insurgency and restore peace in the North-East, particularly in Borno, Yobe and parts of Adamawa states. The operation replaced Operation Lafiya Dole in 2021 as part of efforts to adopt new strategies in the fight against terrorism.
Over the years, troops involved in the operation have carried out raids on terrorist hideouts, rescued kidnapped victims, recovered weapons and arrested suspected members and collaborators of extremist groups.
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency, which began more than a decade ago. The conflict, initially driven by Boko Haram and later involving ISWAP following a split within the insurgent movement, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people across the North-East.
While the Nigerian military has recorded significant successes against the insurgents, attacks on communities and security formations still occur in some parts of the region. This has underscored the importance of community cooperation and timely intelligence in ongoing security operations.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspicious movements and preventing attacks.
At the same time, military officials have appealed to members of the public to avoid offering any form of assistance to terrorist elements, warning that those found aiding insurgents would face the full weight of the law.
The arrest of the suspected informant is expected to aid ongoing investigations into the activities of terrorist networks operating in Borno and neighbouring states. Security agencies believe that dismantling these networks is essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
As investigations continue, the military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive and intelligence-based operations aimed at eliminating insurgents and restoring normalcy to communities affected by years of violence.
Military authorities say they remain determined to ensure that insurgents and their alleged collaborators have no safe haven as efforts continue to bring lasting stability to the region.