Troops Arrest Two Suspected Boko Haram, ISWAP Collaborators in Borno During Intelligence-Led Operation

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

The operation was carried out in the early hours of July 28 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion, working alongside Hybrid Forces, following credible intelligence on suspected terrorist activities in the area.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited intelligence sources, the raid was launched at about 5:08 a.m. after actionable information was received from the Hybrid Forces Headquarters in Maiduguri.

The operation led to the arrest of Modu Collu, 20, and Bashir Goni Tijani, 47, both residents of Magumeri town. Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that the two suspects admitted to collaborating with Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters operating within the area.

Security operatives also recovered a Tecno mobile phone belonging to Modu Collu during the operation. The device has been taken into custody and is expected to undergo forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

Military sources disclosed that the suspects and the recovered exhibit are being processed before being transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The arrests form part of the military’s ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V, an intelligence-driven campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks, disrupting logistics channels and cutting off local collaborators assisting insurgent groups across Nigeria’s North-East.

Military authorities added that although the security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable. They noted that troops continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness as efforts to combat terrorism in the region intensify.