By Maryam Shuaibu
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected collaborator of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram who was allegedly attempting to recruit members of local security forces into terrorist camps in Borno State.
According to a military operational report cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the suspect was arrested on Friday at the Government Secondary School Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gwoza Town.
The report said the suspect was believed to be working with insurgent groups operating around the Mandara Mountains and had been tasked with persuading members of the Hybrid Forces to abandon their duties and join terrorist camps.
Preliminary findings indicated that the recruitment effort was allegedly part of a broader plot to lure security personnel into an ambush where they would be killed and their weapons seized by insurgents.
The report further revealed that the suspect had reportedly met with a Boko Haram commander operating within the mountainous region before his arrest.
Troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza are currently holding the suspect while investigations continue.
Military authorities said the arrest reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and prevent attempts to infiltrate local security structures in the North-East.
Six Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom in Zamfara
In a separate development, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma rescued six kidnap victims in Zamfara State after they escaped from captivity following sustained military offensives and air operations targeting criminal hideouts.
According to the military operational report made available to NAN, the victims were intercepted by troops of the 1 Brigade Combat Team 6 stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Gwashi, Bukuyyum Local Government Area.
The report said the victims were found along the Gwashi-Bukuyyum road on Friday after fleeing from their abductors.
Their escape was linked to an air interdiction operation carried out by the Nigerian Air Force around the western axis of Bagega Forest, where armed groups are known to operate.
The rescued victims were identified as Muhammad Sani from Masama, Junaidu Muhammad from Gandun Malam, Abubakar Abdullahi and Abubakar Barau from Maibaka, Surajo Abubakar from Dogon Daji, and Nasiru Hakilu from Adabka village, all in Bukuyyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The military said the victims had spent several months in captivity before regaining their freedom.
Efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families and provide necessary support following their ordeal.
The developments come amid intensified military operations against insurgent and criminal groups operating across the North-East and North-West regions.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on armed groups and securing communities affected by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.