Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborators during an intelligence-led operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, marking another significant blow against the support networks that sustain terrorist operations in the North-East. The operation was carried out at about 5:08 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in conjunction with Hybrid Forces, following credible intelligence received from the Hybrid Forces Headquarters in Maiduguri.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Modu Collu, 20, and Bashir Goni Tijani, 47, both residents of Magumeri town. According to intelligence sources, preliminary interrogation revealed that both suspects confessed to collaborating with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating in the area. The arrest of the two suspects is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the intelligence and logistics networks that enable terrorist groups to carry out attacks and abductions across the region.
During the operation, troops recovered one Tecno mobile phone belonging to Modu Collu, which has been taken into custody for further exploitation. Intelligence analysts are expected to examine the phone for contacts, communication records, and other data that could lead to the identification of additional collaborators and terrorist cells operating in the Magumeri axis. Military sources said the suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently being processed and will be handed over to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC) for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests form part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations under Operation DESERT SANITY V, a sustained military campaign targeting terrorist support networks, logistics, and local collaborators across the North-East. The operation, which is being conducted under the broader framework of Operation HADIN KAI, has intensified efforts to cut off the supply lines and intelligence channels that have allowed Boko Haram and ISWAP to maintain their grip on parts of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Military authorities said the general security situation within the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of morale and operational readiness.
Magumeri Local Government Area has been identified as a hotspot for terrorist activity, with insurgents often relying on local collaborators for food, information, and safe passage. The arrest of Modu Collu and Bashir Goni Tijani underscores the persistent challenge of rooting out informants and sympathisers who operate within communities, providing logistical support and intelligence to insurgent groups. Military authorities have repeatedly warned that the fight against terrorism cannot be won solely through kinetic operations; it must also target the networks that sustain the insurgency.
The arrest comes amid broader counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, where troops have continued to record successes against terrorist elements. In recent weeks, security forces have intensified intelligence-led operations, resulting in the arrest of several suspected collaborators and the recovery of weapons and equipment. The military has also stepped up efforts to encourage communities to report suspicious activities and to cooperate with security forces in the fight against terrorism. The Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC), which serves as the central hub for intelligence coordination in the North-East, is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the suspects' activities and their connections to terrorist groups. The JIFC has played a critical role in coordinating intelligence-sharing among security agencies and has been instrumental in several successful operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The arrest of the two suspected collaborators comes at a time when the Nigerian military is intensifying its operations against terrorist groups in the North-East. Operation DESERT SANITY V, launched earlier in 2026, has focused on degrading the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP through a combination of ground offensives, air strikes, and intelligence-led raids. The operation has recorded significant successes, including the neutralisation of several key terrorist commanders and the recovery of large caches of weapons and ammunition. However, the persistence of the insurgency and the resilience of terrorist networks mean that the battle is far from over.
The collaboration of local residents with terrorist groups remains a significant challenge for security forces. In many cases, informants provide terrorists with intelligence on military movements, facilitate the supply of food and other essentials, and help insurgents evade detection. The arrest of Modu Collu and Bashir Goni Tijani highlights the importance of targeting these support networks as part of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and their collaborators, warning that those who choose to support terrorist groups will face the full consequences of their actions.
As the investigation continues, the military has called on residents of Borno State and the wider North-East to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities and providing credible information. The success of counter-terrorism operations depends not only on military action but also on the support and cooperation of local communities. For the people of Magumeri and the wider North-East, the arrest offers a measure of hope that the fight against terrorism is making progress, even as the broader campaign continues. The military has assured the public that it remains committed to protecting lives and property and to restoring peace and stability to the region. The arrest of the two suspected collaborators serves as a warning to those who choose to support terrorist groups: the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them.
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