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

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.

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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