By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion have arrested a 60-year-old man suspected of acting as an informant for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) along the Cross-Kukawa Road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Mallam Garba Audi, was apprehended at about 9:55 a.m. on September 3, 2026, following actionable intelligence on the movement of a suspected ISWAP operative from Monguno towards Kukawa.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was initiated after human intelligence reports alerted troops to the possible infiltration of the area by an individual believed to be linked to the terrorist group. Acting swiftly on the information, military personnel intensified surveillance around their defensive positions and subsequently intercepted the suspect along the Cross-Kukawa Road.

During preliminary interrogation, Audi reportedly claimed that he had lost his way after travelling from Digimari in northern Borno State. However, security operatives considered his movements suspicious and subjected him to further scrutiny.

Troops also recovered several items from the suspect, including cement bags containing clothing and mosquito nets. The recovered materials have been taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations into the suspect’s activities and possible links to terrorist networks operating in the region.

Military authorities said the suspect and the recovered items remain in custody and will be transferred to the 19 Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation and further intelligence exploitation.

The arrest is the latest in a series of intelligence-driven operations by security forces aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, surveillance networks, and support structures across the North-East theatre of operations. Security agencies have continued to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of providing information, supplies, or other forms of assistance to terrorist groups operating in the region.