Nigeria: Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy over planned attack on Borno military bases

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, operative for an alleged plot to attack two military formations in Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was picked up by soldiers of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Chabbol, following credible intelligence on an imminent terrorist attack.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, Shuaibu was apprehended during a routine perimeter patrol about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.

Preliminary investigations linked him to planned assaults on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, also called Mosquito Camp, and the FOB Chabbol. 

Military sources said Shuaibu admitted during interrogation that an attack had been planned and claimed the terrorists intended to proceed with it despite his arrest.

The military said the arrest allowed troops to reinforce security around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive measures.

Shuaibu has been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The operation is part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist activities, dismantle insurgent networks, and protect military bases across the North-East.