Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Operative Over Planned Attack on Military Bases in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over an alleged plot to launch coordinated attacks on two military formations in Borno State, in what security sources described as a significant intelligence breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol following intelligence reports indicating that terrorists were planning an imminent assault on military installations in the area.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the arrest occurred during a routine perimeter patrol conducted about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the military base.

Military sources quoted in the report said the operation followed credible human intelligence that suspected ISWAP fighters were preparing coordinated attacks on key military positions within southern Borno State.

The sources disclosed that troops had heightened surveillance around strategic locations after receiving intelligence of the planned operation, leading to the suspect’s arrest before the alleged attack could be carried out.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked Shuaibu to a planned assault on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, as well as the Forward Operating Base, Chabbol.

READ ALSO:

• Plane crash in France kills 11 on board as skydiving aircraft crashes after take-off
• Oshiomhole backs death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo
• BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Teacher, Abduct Scores of Students in Borno School Attack

Security sources alleged that the suspect was conducting reconnaissance around the military facility when he was intercepted by soldiers on patrol.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted that an attack had been planned and claimed that members of the terrorist group intended to continue with the operation despite his arrest.

However, these claims have not been independently verified, and the Nigerian Army has yet to issue an official statement confirming details of the interrogation or the alleged confession.

Following the arrest, troops reportedly reinforced security around the targeted military formations by increasing patrols, strengthening defensive positions and placing personnel on heightened operational alert.

The suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation aimed at identifying possible collaborators, uncovering the wider network behind the alleged plot and preventing any future attacks.

The arrest comes as Operation Hadin Kai continues to intensify intelligence-driven operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents across Nigeria’s North-East.

In recent months, the military has sustained offensive operations targeting terrorist enclaves, logistics routes and supply chains, while also recording the arrest of suspected collaborators accused of providing intelligence and logistical support to insurgent groups.

Security experts say intelligence gathering and community collaboration have become increasingly important in disrupting planned attacks, as terrorist groups continue to rely on informants and reconnaissance missions to target military formations and civilian communities.

Military authorities have repeatedly urged residents across Borno State and neighbouring communities to report suspicious movements and unusual activities to security agencies, noting that timely intelligence remains one of the most effective tools in combating terrorism.

The latest arrest underscores the military’s continued efforts to prevent attacks before they occur and enhance the security of military personnel and civilians in conflict-affected areas of the North-East.

As of the time of filing this report, investigations into the suspect’s alleged role in the planned attacks were ongoing, while security around military formations in the area remained on high alert.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Operative Over Planned Attack on Military Bases in Borno

Navy Leads Rescue as Building Collapse Traps Children, Others in Lagos

Several people, including children, were pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in Alakija, Lagos, on Monday after personnel of the Nigerian Navy joined an emergency rescue operation, with the survivors rushed to a naval hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Photographs released after the operation showed more than 10 rescued victims receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, saying naval personnel responded swiftly after receiving a distress call about the incident.

According to him, the rescue team immediately mobilised to the scene and worked alongside other emergency responders to search for and evacuate victims trapped beneath the debris.

READ ALSO:

• Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Operative Over Planned Attack on Military Bases in Borno
• Killing of MACBAN Chairman: ‘It Would Have Been Better to Kill the President, NSA’ — Fulani Man Threatens Benue Residents
• Plane crash in France kills 11 on board as skydiving aircraft crashes after take-off

“Through their prompt response, professionalism and dedication, several victims were successfully rescued from the rubble and evacuated for urgent medical attention,” he said.

Folorunsho added that all rescued victims were taken to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, where they received emergency treatment and continued medical care.

He said the Nigerian Navy remained committed to ensuring that all those affected by the incident received the necessary medical support.

The statement also quoted the Chief of the Naval Staff as commending the courage, professionalism and dedication displayed by the naval rescue team and the medical personnel who attended to the victims.

He further appreciated the collaboration of other emergency response agencies and members of the public, noting that their collective efforts contributed significantly to the successful rescue operation.

The Navy extended its sympathy to families affected by the building collapse and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

It also reaffirmed its readiness to continue providing humanitarian assistance and support to civil authorities whenever required, in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

Navy Leads Rescue as Building Collapse Traps Children, Others in Lagos

Killing of MACBAN Chairman: ‘It Would Have Been Better to Kill the President, NSA’ — Fulani Man Threatens Benue Residents

The killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, has taken a new twist following the emergence of a viral video in which an unidentified man issued strong warnings over the incident, prompting fresh concerns about security and possible reprisals.

The unidentified speaker, believed to be of Fulani extraction, condemned the killing of the MACBAN leader and his associate, Yakubu Isa, describing the late Ardo Risku as a key figure who promoted peace between herders and farming communities across the state.

The video surfaced days after Ardo Risku and Isa were ambushed and killed while returning from a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to reports, the meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) as part of ongoing efforts to address recurring security challenges and improve relations between local farming communities and Fulani herders.

Security sources said the victims were attacked by unidentified gunmen around Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area shortly after leaving the meeting.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from community leaders, security stakeholders and the national leadership of MACBAN, who described the killing as a setback to ongoing peace-building efforts in the state.

In the viral video circulating on social media, the unidentified speaker expressed outrage over the killing and issued remarks that have generated widespread reactions.

“Benue people will regret this. Killing this man (Ardo) is like killing our own President. It would have been better to kill the President and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, than to kill this man,” he said.

READ ALSO:

• Plane crash in France kills 11 on board as skydiving aircraft crashes after take-off
• Oshiomhole backs death penalty for kidnappers, bandits in Edo
• BREAKING: Gunmen Kill Teacher, Abduct Scores of Students in Borno School Attack

The man further claimed that the late Ardo Risku had prevented several violent clashes and worked tirelessly to promote peaceful coexistence between herders and host communities.

“This man was a peace lover. He stopped many crises in Benue. Killing him is the greatest mistake Benue people have made. You people of Benue will regret this,” he added.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, and the identity of the speaker remains unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Neither the Nigeria Police Force nor other security agencies has issued an official statement specifically addressing the video or the threats contained in it.

However, the footage has generated widespread concern online, with many Nigerians urging security agencies to identify the speaker, investigate the comments and take appropriate legal action if any laws have been violated.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has intensified investigations into the killing of Ardo Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa.

Police authorities have deployed tactical and intelligence teams to track down those responsible for the attack, assuring residents that everyone connected with the killings will be brought to justice.

In what investigators described as a major breakthrough, security operatives have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killings. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area, while investigations continue to determine the level of involvement of each suspect and identify any other persons linked to the attack.

The national leadership of MACBAN has condemned the killings, noting that Ardo Risku was attacked shortly after participating in a peace meeting aimed at strengthening dialogue between herders and farming communities.

The association called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure those responsible are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Community leaders in Ohimini and Otukpo local government areas have also appealed for calm, urging residents to avoid reprisals and allow security agencies to complete their investigations.

The latest development comes amid persistent security concerns in Benue State, where repeated attacks, communal tensions and farmer-herder conflicts have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and peace across several communities.

As authorities continue investigations into both the killings and the viral video, residents have been urged to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory statements and cooperate with security agencies to prevent any further escalation of violence.

The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in parts of Benue and the urgent need for sustained peace-building initiatives, effective law enforcement and justice for victims of violence.

Killing of MACBAN Chairman: ‘It Would Have Been Better to Kill the President, NSA’ — Fulani Man Threatens Benue Residents