The Nigerian Navy has announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator in the Lake Chad region, describing the operation as another significant success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the suspect was apprehended following an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) using a tactical drone.
The Navy disclosed that the arrest took place on June 1, 2026, after operatives observed suspicious movements during a surveillance operation within the Lake Chad area of operations.
The statement identified the suspect as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, who was allegedly seen moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted. Naval personnel reportedly maintained surveillance on the suspect and observed interactions between him and armed terrorists.
“Further monitoring revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area,” the Navy stated.
According to the statement, the suspect was subsequently tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was eventually arrested by security personnel.
Preliminary investigations, the Navy said, revealed that Abdullahi frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the area.
Navy Confirms Recovery of Items, Ongoing Investigation
The statement further alleged that initial findings suggested the suspect was involved in providing logistical support to terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.
“Initial findings further suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies,” the statement noted.
Security operatives also conducted a search on the suspect following his arrest. According to the Navy, the operation led to the recovery of personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.
Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation highlights the increasing importance of intelligence gathering, surveillance capabilities and technology-driven operations in improving situational awareness and strengthening ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.
“The operation underscores the growing role of intelligence, surveillance, and technology-driven operations in enhancing situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against terrorism, the Navy stated that it would continue to support joint military operations under Operation Hadin Kai and deploy available assets to deny terrorist groups freedom of action while contributing to the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria’s North-East.
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