Troops arrest suspected terrorist collaborator during covert operation in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 21-year-old suspected terrorist collaborator during a covert intelligence-led operation in Magumeri town, Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Abur Mallam Shuaibu, was apprehended at about 3:00 p.m. on July 30 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The sources said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect had infiltrated Magumeri town to attend a 40-day prayer ceremony held for his late father.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being involved in cattle rustling, attacks on motorists along the Magumeri–Gubio road, and the imposition of illegal levies on communities within the area.
He also admitted that the activities of his group forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of being killed if they failed to pay the imposed levies, the sources said.
Military authorities said the suspect would be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.
Sources added that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of operational readiness in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
