Troops Arrest Suspected ISIS Foreign Operative After Failed ISWAP Attack in Borno

Troops Arrest Suspected ISIS Foreign Operative After Failed ISWAP Attack in Borno
Troops recovered several operational materials allegedly abandoned by the terrorists during the pursuit
Security agencies are investigating his alleged role within the terrorist organisation

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected foreign operative believed to have links to the Islamic State (ISIS) following a failed attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the the arrest followed intensified military operations launched after troops successfully repelled the attempted assault on the community before pursuing the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes.

EDITOR’S PICK

The development was disclosed by counter-insurgency and security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited military sources familiar with the operation.

According to the report, troops recovered several operational materials allegedly abandoned by the terrorists during the pursuit, including high-frequency hand-held radios and other communication equipment believed to be vital to the group’s command and control operations.

The recovered items reportedly provided fresh intelligence that prompted security forces to expand operations into the Lake Chad Islands axis and Abadam Local Government Area.

During the follow-up operation, troops arrested a fleeing suspect believed to be an Arab of Moroccan origin with suspected links to ISIS.

Military sources, according to Makama, said the suspect had earlier been identified during a forensic examination of video footage recovered from a Sony camcorder allegedly belonging to an ISWAP cameraman killed during the failed Cross Kauwa attack.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISIS Foreign Operative After Failed ISWAP Attack in Borno

The recovered footage had reportedly formed part of ongoing intelligence efforts to identify key members and foreign collaborators within the terrorist network.

The suspect was later evacuated by a Nigerian Air Force helicopter to a secure military facility, where he is currently undergoing interrogation.

Security agencies are investigating his alleged role within the terrorist organisation, including suspected involvement in operational planning, training, communications and propaganda activities, as well as his reported links to ISIS.