Troops arrest suspected ISWAP spy in Yobe

Troops of 159 Battalion in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested a suspected spy linked to terrorists operating in the North-East in Kanamma Yobe state.

The suspect, identified as Malam Fantami, a native of Dikwa was apprehended during a security operation by troops deployed in the area.

The suspect was intercepted following credible intelligence indicating that he might be working as an informant for terrorists affiliated with the ISWAP.

According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest included a mobile phone, a smart watch, prayer beads, a motorcycle key, and a cash sum of N7,000.

Preliminary examination of the suspect’s mobile phone by security personnel reportedly revealed several suspicious materials, including photographs of motorcycles, large sums of cash, AK-47 rifles and other items believed to be linked to terrorist activities.

The discovery of these materials has raised serious suspicion about the suspect’s role as a possible logistics informant or intelligence asset for insurgent elements operating in the region. 

The suspect is currently in military custody, where he is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist networks and to identify possible collaborators.

The military high command said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by troops in the North-East aimed at dismantling the intelligence and logistics networks that support insurgent operations.

Kanama, located in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State near the border with Niger Republic, has remained an important corridor frequently exploited by insurgent groups for movement and supply activities.