Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborators during a targeted intelligence-led operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:08 a.m. on July 28 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, following credible intelligence obtained from the Hybrid Forces Headquarters in Maiduguri.

The sources said the operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Modu Collu, 20, and Bashir Goni Tijani, 47, both residents of Magumeri town.

According to the sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects confessed to collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating in the area.

During the operation, troops recovered one Tecno mobile phone belonging to Modu Collu, which has been taken into custody for further exploitation.

Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently being processed and will be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations under Operation DESERT SANITY V, aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks, disrupting logistics and denying insurgents local collaborators across the North-East.

Military authorities said the general security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of morale and operational readiness.

Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Collaborators in Borno

Troops Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector, Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, and thwarted multiple kidnap attempts during coordinated operations in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operations were launched following credible intelligence and a series of distress calls indicating coordinated attacks by armed terrorists on communities within the area.

According to the sources, troops intercepted a large group of terrorists riding motorcycles as they advanced toward Tsohon-Tasha Street in Kaura Namoda after attacking the residence of the rector.

The terrorists reportedly broke into the residence, killed the rector’s private security guard, Malam Isah Bello, 46, and injured another guard, Sharhabilu Haruna, 35, before attempting to abduct Dr. Yusuf, his wife and their two children.

The sources said troops responded swiftly, engaged the attackers with superior firepower and forced them to flee, abandoning the victims. The rector and his family were rescued unharmed.

In a related operation, troops on patrol responded to another distress call from Tungan Dorawa community in Barkeji village, where armed kidnappers were attempting to abduct residents.

Despite difficult terrain that initially slowed their movement, the troops pursued the fleeing suspects, engaged them and successfully foiled the kidnap attempt.

Simultaneously, the troops confronted another group of kidnappers operating within the same community and rescued a 56-year-old businessman, Alhaji Azaria, along with 21 other civilians who had been abducted from neighbouring houses.

All the rescued victims were reported to be safe and are receiving the necessary support.

During the operation at Tsohon-Tasha Street, troops also arrested a suspected informant, Falalu Yusuf, 45, who is believed to have collaborated with the terrorists by providing intelligence on the victims.

The suspect has been handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kaura Namoda for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Military authorities commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, reaffirming their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits across Zamfara State.

They also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing counter-banditry operations.

Troops Rescue Federal Polytechnic Rector, Foil Multiple Kidnap Attempts in Zamfara

Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Dikwa–Gajibo road in Borno State, preventing what could have been a deadly attack on security personnel and commuters.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the device was discovered at about 10:10 a.m. on July 27 by troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion while conducting a routine picketing patrol along the Dikwa–Gajibo axis.

The sources said the patrol team immediately secured the area and alerted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which responded promptly and carried out a controlled detonation of the IED at the scene.

No casualties or damage were recorded during the operation.

Military sources described the successful detection and neutralisation of the explosive as part of ongoing efforts to counter the use of improvised explosive devices by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists targeting troops and civilian traffic in the North-East.

The operation underscores the continued vigilance of security forces in maintaining the safety of key supply routes and denying insurgents the opportunity to disrupt military and civilian movement across the theatre of operations.

Security sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, with troops maintaining high morale and operational readiness.

Troops foil IED threat on Dikwa–Gajibo road, safely detonate explosive