Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested 12 suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers and informants linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during intelligence-led operations in Damasak, Borno State.
The operation was conducted by troops of the 5 Brigade following actionable intelligence obtained from the interrogation of an earlier suspect, Mustapha Goni Ahmed, who was arrested at the Kadauri Cattle Market in Damasak.
According to military sources, Ahmed allegedly provided information that led troops to several meeting points and hideouts used by suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers and informants operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
Acting on the intelligence, troops carried out coordinated cordon-and-search operations at multiple locations in the early hours of July 2, leading to the arrest of 12 additional suspects believed to be part of the terrorists’ support network.
The suspects were identified as Alhaji Dala Kawomi, 45; Bulama Mallum Kyari, 38; Shatamari Gabo Kyari, 30; Tujja Saloma, 20; Massa Mairami, 70; Bulama Chari Fannai, 36; Mustapha Mohammed, 28; Bukar Bulama, 23; Bunu Madu, 25; Awari Baba Goni, 23; Hassan Madu, 34; and Chellu Malari, 60.
During the operation, troops recovered three Tecno mobile phones, one Itel mobile phone, one Infinix smartphone and ₦7,360 in cash.
Military sources said the suspects are undergoing preliminary processing before being transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) in Maiduguri for further investigation, profiling and other necessary actions.
The sources described the raid as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-intelligence efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist support structures and disrupting the logistics and information networks sustaining insurgent activities in the Lake Chad region.
They added that follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other suspected collaborators linked to the network.
