Troops have arrested a suspected ISWAP informant in Borno, alleging he identified wealthy residents for kidnappings as investigations continue.
Security forces operating under Operation HADIN KAI have recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria’s North-East with the arrest of a man suspected of supplying intelligence to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Isa Janyu, was apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) under Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The operation took place in Kasuwan Shanu area of Monguno town in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security sources, the arrest followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at identifying individuals suspected of providing operational support to terrorist groups active in the region.
The operation was reportedly carried out at about 7:20 p.m. on July 4 after security personnel confirmed the suspect’s movements.
Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that Isa Janyu was taken into custody without resistance.
A search conducted immediately after his arrest led to the recovery of several personal items, including a Tecno mobile phone, a knife, a comb, a mirror, and ₦10,000 in cash.
Investigators are expected to examine the recovered phone and other materials as part of efforts to uncover possible links to terrorist operatives and ongoing criminal activities.
Preliminary findings by military investigators indicate that the suspect is a native of Arianna Mai Massallachi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence officers believe he allegedly played a significant role in assisting ISWAP members by identifying wealthy individuals living within communities across the area.
According to the allegations, the information he reportedly supplied enabled terrorist elements to identify potential kidnapping targets.
Victims selected through such intelligence were allegedly abducted and later forced to pay ransom before regaining their freedom, providing another source of funding for insurgent activities in the region.
Although investigators are still working to verify the full extent of the suspect’s involvement, security officials believe the arrest could provide valuable intelligence capable of exposing additional members of the network.
Military authorities are expected to continue analysing digital evidence and questioning the suspect to determine whether other collaborators remain active within surrounding communities.
The suspect has since been transferred to the Headquarters of Sector 3 Military Intelligence Brigade, where he remains in custody for further interrogation and other necessary legal and investigative procedures.
Military sources described the arrest as part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling not only armed terrorist cells but also the network of informants, logistics suppliers and collaborators who allegedly support insurgent operations behind the scenes.
They noted that disrupting these support structures is essential to weakening terrorist organisations operating across the North-East.
Security experts have repeatedly argued that intelligence supplied by informants often plays a major role in helping terrorist groups plan attacks, evade security forces and identify vulnerable individuals or communities.
Consequently, security agencies have increasingly shifted attention toward intelligence-based operations designed to expose such networks before they can facilitate fresh attacks.
The latest arrest also highlights the growing collaboration between the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force, whose local knowledge has continued to support security operations in many communities affected by insurgency.
Residents familiar with local terrain and movements have remained valuable partners in identifying suspicious activities and assisting security agencies with timely information.
Despite recent successes recorded by troops across parts of Borno State and neighbouring areas, military authorities cautioned that the security environment remains fluid.
While attacks have reduced in some locations due to sustained military pressure, insurgent groups continue to exploit isolated communities and difficult terrain to regroup and launch occasional operations.
Officials stressed that troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI remain on high alert across the theatre of operations.
They continue to conduct surveillance missions, intelligence gathering, clearance operations and targeted raids intended to deny terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their operational capabilities.
Security sources further reaffirmed that the military would sustain offensive operations against terrorist elements while intensifying efforts to identify informants and collaborators whose activities may be aiding insurgent groups.
They maintained that combining military action with reliable intelligence remains one of the most effective approaches to restoring lasting peace across Nigeria’s troubled North-East.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to determine whether the suspect will face prosecution based on evidence gathered during the ongoing inquiry.
The outcome of the investigation may also provide security agencies with additional leads capable of preventing future kidnappings and terrorist activities within the region.
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