Troops intercept suspected ISWAP member fleeing airstrikes in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a suspected Boko Haram member who fled from a terrorist enclave following recent military airstrikes in Borno State. 

According to reports, the suspect, identified as Ahmad Sheriff, 27, was intercepted at about 10:12 a.m. on May 31 during a patrol along the Kukawa-Cross Kauwa general area in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was reportedly travelling with two children when he was apprehended by troops conducting routine security operations in the area.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect fled from Kangarawa, a known terrorist stronghold, following sustained airstrikes around the enclave.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that he escaped from the area alongside 17 other individuals. 

However, while moving through the bush, the group allegedly encountered terrorists, resulting in confusion and dispersal.

Military authorities said items recovered from the suspect included a smartphone, 43 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a solar panel, a power bank, a pair of sunglasses, a mosquito net, clothing materials and N48,000 cash.

Further investigation indicated that the suspect had spent about seven years with the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group.

The sources said the suspect hails from Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State and is currently in military custody for further profiling and investigation.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the interception comes amid ongoing military offensives targeting terrorist enclaves across the Lake Chad region, where troops have intensified ground and air operations aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups.

Military authorities noted that the general security situation across the North-East theatre remained relatively calm but unpredictable, adding that troops remained vigilant and committed to sustaining ongoing counterterrorism operations.