Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended a suspected member of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group who was allegedly attempting to escape from a terrorist stronghold following recent military airstrikes in Borno State.
The incident was revealed by security analyst and Lake Chad region counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a post shared on his X account.
According to military sources referenced in the report, the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Ahmad Sheriff, was intercepted at approximately 10:12 a.m. on May 31 during a military patrol along the Kukawa–Cross Kauwa route in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Sources disclosed that the suspect was travelling with two children when troops carrying out routine security operations in the area stopped and detained him.
Initial investigations reportedly indicated that Sheriff fled from Kangarawa, a location known to serve as a terrorist enclave, after a series of sustained military air raids targeted the area.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly informed investigators that he escaped alongside 17 other individuals but became separated from them after the group encountered armed terrorists while moving through the bush.
Military authorities said several items were recovered from the suspect, including a smartphone, 43 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a solar panel, a power bank, sunglasses, a mosquito net, clothing materials, and N48,000 in cash.
Further findings from the investigation reportedly showed that the suspect had spent about seven years as a member of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist network.
The sources added that Sheriff, who is from Doron Baga in Kukawa Local Government Area, remains in military custody as authorities continue profiling and investigative procedures.
The arrest comes as security forces intensify operations across the Lake Chad region, where coordinated ground assaults and airstrikes are being carried out to dismantle terrorist hideouts and weaken the operational strength of insurgent groups.
Military authorities reaffirmed that troops remain alert and committed to sustaining counterterrorism efforts throughout the North-East operational theatre.
