Nigerian Army Arrests Suspected Boko Haram Informant, ISWAP Terrorist in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators in separate intelligence-led operations in Borno State.

The arrests were carried out in Ngamdu town and Mairari town, following intelligence reports and joint security operations.

According to security sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the first suspect, identified as 20-year-old Yuram Mustaphage, was apprehended at about 11:30 a.m. on November 5, 2026, in Ngamdu.

The operation involved troops of the 154 Task Force Battalion, 29 Task Force Brigade, under Sector 2, working in collaboration with members of the Hybrid Force.

Mustaphage, who reportedly hails from Wasaram Kadauri village in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, was allegedly involved in providing information and support to terrorist elements operating in the region.

In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative in Mairari town, Guzamala Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Bunu Mala Abacha, was arrested at approximately 4:50 p.m. on November 4, 2026.

He was reportedly intercepted while travelling from the outskirts of Mairari towards Monguno on suspicion of being an ISWAP member.

The operation was conducted by troops of CIB XIX deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari under Sector 3, with support from the CJTF.

Both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt intelligence-sharing activities and prevent logistical support to insurgents operating across the North-East.

Security forces have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying and apprehending suspected collaborators of Boko Haram and ISWAP.