Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who allegedly confessed to participating in three separate attacks on Delwa community in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Abubakar Ibrahim, 28, was apprehended on July 14 while approaching the gate of the Cashew Plantation area from a nearby bush path.
According to the sources, Ibrahim initially told troops that he had gone into the bush to fetch firewood but abandoned the task after his bicycle developed a flat tyre. He claimed he was heading to the Veterinary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp when he was intercepted by security personnel.
However, during further interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to being a member of ISWAP from Warabe community in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. He reportedly told investigators that he had discarded his AK-47 rifle in a river before approaching troops with the intention of surrendering.
Military sources said the suspect also confessed to taking part in three separate attacks carried out by ISWAP fighters on Delwa, a community that has witnessed repeated insurgent activities in recent years.
Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, a bicycle pump, a bicycle repair solution, a spoon and ₦6,500 in cash.
The suspect and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 73 Battalion pending transfer to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation, profiling and possible prosecution.
The arrest is part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations under Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, gathering intelligence and encouraging the surrender of insurgents operating across the North-East region.
