Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected terrorist informant during an intelligence-led operation in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, marking another significant blow to the support networks that sustain insurgent activities in the North-East. The suspect, identified as Alhaji Sule Bako, was apprehended at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Dzangola Kilba, following credible intelligence linking him to alleged information-sharing activities for terrorist elements operating in the area.
According to intelligence sources, troops of the 232 Battalion (Tactical) carried out the operation under Operation Desert Sanity V, a component of the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East. The operation was executed without incident, and the suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing preliminary interrogation and further investigation to determine the extent of his alleged involvement with terrorist networks. The arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks, including informants, logistics suppliers, and collaborators, across the North-East theatre.
Hong Local Government Area, which shares borders with parts of Borno State, has been identified as a corridor for insurgent activities, with terrorists occasionally using the area to move personnel and supplies. The arrest of Alhaji Sule Bako 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.
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 Alhaji Sule Bako 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.
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, 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 Nigerian military has consistently emphasised that the fight against terrorism requires not only military action but also the support and cooperation of local communities. The arrest of Alhaji Sule Bako serves as a warning to those who choose to support terrorist groups: the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them. As troops continue their operations, the hope is that more collaborators will be identified and that the people of Adamawa and the wider North-East can finally look forward to a future free from the shadow of terrorism.
Military authorities have described the general security situation within the theatre as relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops have continued to maintain a high level of morale and operational readiness. The arrest of the suspected informant is a testament to the professionalism and vigilance of the troops, who remain committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens and ensuring the security of the region. As Operation Desert Sanity V continues, the military has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
For the people of Hong Local Government Area and the wider Adamawa State, the arrest offers a measure of reassurance that the military is committed to rooting out those who betray their communities and aid the enemy. As the military continues to intensify its operations against suspected terrorist informants and logistics networks across the North-East, the message is clear: those who choose to support the terrorists will face the full consequences of their actions. The successful operation underscores the military's determination to pursue not only the fighters on the frontlines but also the collaborators who provide them with the information and logistics they need to operate.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments