Nigerian Navy arrests suspected terrorist collaborator in Lake Chad operation

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator during an intelligence and surveillance operation in the Lake Chad region.

 

The arrest was made on June 1, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy’s Lake Chad formation during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission using a tactical drone, according to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A. Folorunsho.

 

The Navy said operatives observed a suspicious individual, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, moving from an area where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted.

 

According to the statement, continued surveillance revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he left the location.

 

“During the surveillance mission, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual, later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted,” the statement said.

 

The Navy added that the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was subsequently arrested.

 

Preliminary investigations indicated that Abdullahi frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating in the area.

 

The statement further alleged that the suspect was involved in providing logistical support to terrorists through the procurement and transportation of essential supplies.

 

Items considered relevant to the investigation were recovered during a search of the suspect.

 

The Navy said the suspect had been handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

 

It noted that the operation highlights the increasing role of intelligence, surveillance and technology-driven operations in strengthening counter-terrorism efforts and enhancing situational awareness in the Lake Chad region.