August 2, 2026

Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram collaborator in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a 21-year-old suspected Boko Haram collaborator during an intelligence-led operation in Magumeri town, Borno State.

 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on his X handle.

 

According to him, the suspect, identified as Abur Mallam Shuaibu, was arrested at about 3 p.m. on July 30 by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

 

Makama said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect had entered Magumeri to attend a 40-day prayer ceremony organised for his late father.

 

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in cattle rustling, attacks on motorists along the Magumeri–Gubio Road and the collection of illegal levies from communities in the area.

 

According to the security analyst, the suspect also admitted that the activities of his group forced many residents to flee their communities for fear of being attacked for refusing to pay the imposed levies.

 

Makama said the suspect would be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.

 

The military authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.