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

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was arrested by troops of the 212 Battalion at the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Chabbol, following intelligence reports of a planned terrorist attack.

Quoting military sources, Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that Shuaibu was apprehended during a routine perimeter patrol conducted about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.

According to the publication, the arrest followed what the military described as credible human intelligence indicating an imminent attack.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to a planned assault on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, also known as Mosquito Camp, and the Forward Operating Base in Chabbol.

Military sources said the suspect admitted during interrogation that an attack had been planned and claimed the terrorists intended to proceed with the operation regardless of his arrest.

The military said the arrest enabled troops to reinforce security around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive measures against any attempted attack.

The suspect has since been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation.

The arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling insurgent networks, and enhancing the security of military formations across the North-East. (Vanguard)

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