Nigerian Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Spy, Logistics Supplier During Night Patrol in Borno

By ZongoPlus Security Desk | July 19, 2026

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of spying on Nigerian military movements and supplying logistics to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a night patrol operation in Borno State. The arrest is being described by security sources as another breakthrough in efforts to dismantle insurgent support networks in Nigeria's North-East.

Suspect Arrested During Night Patrol

The suspect, identified as Muhammad Mustapha, was apprehended at about 9:00 p.m. on July 16 during a joint night patrol and identification exercise conducted by troops of the 403 Amphibious Brigade/130 Battalion (Motorised), working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and the Nigerian Borderless Logistics Corps (NBLC) under Operation Desert Sanity V.

According to military sources, the operation took place in northern Borno as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts targeting terrorist collaborators.

Alleged Confession

Security officials said that during preliminary questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to being part of a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell operating around the Kadia area, north of Mairari town.

He is alleged to have told investigators that his role included:

Monitoring the movement of Nigerian troops.

Gathering intelligence on military patrols and clearance operations.

Supplying logistics and carrying out tasks for insurgents operating in the Lake Chad region.

Authorities say the information is part of an ongoing investigation. The reported confession has not been tested in court.

Investigation Continues

The suspect remains in military custody while investigators work to gather additional intelligence and determine whether other members of the alleged network can be identified.

Military authorities believe disrupting intelligence-gathering and logistics networks is a key part of weakening terrorist operations in the North-East.

Operation HADIN KAI Maintains Pressure

The arrest comes amid continued operations by Operation HADIN KAI, which has intensified patrols, intelligence-led missions, and surveillance across Borno State to disrupt Boko Haram and ISWAP activities.

Security officials say troops remain on high alert despite reports that the overall security situation in the theatre is relatively calm but still unpredictable.