Troops Arrest ‘ISWAP Spy’ Allegedly Gathering Intelligence For Attack On Two Borno Military Bases

29th June, 2026 | News

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) accused of conducting reconnaissance for a planned attack on two military formations in Borno State.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, citing intelligence sources, said the suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was apprehended by troops of the 212 Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chabbol after credible intelligence indicated an imminent terrorist attack.

Shuaibu was reportedly arrested at about 7:55 a.m. on June 26 during a routine perimeter patrol approximately 500 metres ahead of the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the military base.

Preliminary investigations allegedly linked the suspect to a planned ISWAP assault on the 199 Special Forces Battalion, popularly known as Mosquito Camp, as well as the Forward Operating Base Chabbol.

During interrogation, Shuaibu reportedly admitted that the attack had been planned and claimed the insurgents intended to carry it out regardless of his arrest.

Military sources said the timely arrest enabled troops to immediately reinforce security around the targeted formations and strengthen defensive measures against any possible attack.

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

The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation Hadin Kai aimed at disrupting terrorist plots, dismantling insurgent networks, and improving the security of military formations across Nigeria’s North-East.