TROOPS ARREST SIX SUSPECTED ISWAP COLLABORATORS, RECOVER CASH, VEHICLE, DRUGS

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while the wife and son of a senior ISWAP finance operative surrendered to the military in separate operations across Borno State.

The operations, conducted between 27 and 29 July 2026, also led to the recovery of cash, a vehicle, motorcycles, mobile phones, and suspected illicit drugs believed to have been used in support of terrorist activities.

According to the military, troops of the 5 Brigade arrested the six suspects in Damasak on 27 July following intelligence driven operations. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly generated funds for ISWAP through the purchase and sale of cattle at designated markets in Gubio, Damasak, and Ajuwango.

Items recovered from the suspects included a Volkswagen Golf car, vehicle keys, four mobile phones, cow meat, and ₦317,950 in cash. The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further investigation.

In another development, the wife of an ISWAP finance chief and her 11 year old son surrendered to troops of the 3 Battalion through Kusuma Village on 29 July.

Military authorities said preliminary findings showed that her husband, who reportedly served as ISWAP's Chief Finance Officer in Jubillaram, had earlier surrendered on 25 July 2026. He was said to have instructed his wife and son to surrender after his escape from the terrorist enclave. The two have been screened and are undergoing further profiling in line with military procedures.

Meanwhile, troops of the 145 Battalion carried out a clearance operation at Turoh following credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area. The terrorists reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing troops.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles and large quantities of suspected illicit hard drugs believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

Operation HADIN KAI said the latest operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and financing networks across the North East. The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.