Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Informant Accused of Taking Women From Borno IDP Camp to Terrorists

By Zongoplus News Desk | August 12, 2026

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a 51-year-old man suspected of serving as an informant for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Damboa, Borno State.

The suspect, identified as Umar Kaigama, was reportedly arrested on Monday evening, August 10, during an intelligence-led operation involving troops of the 25 Military Intelligence Regiment and hybrid forces.

Suspect Allegedly Facilitated Movement of Women

According to a military source cited by security analyst Zagazola Makama, preliminary investigations indicate that Kaigama allegedly specialized in moving civilians, particularly women, from the Damboa IDP camp into surrounding bush areas to meet suspected terrorists.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged movements and whether the suspect had other collaborators operating within or around the displacement camp.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Arrest Made During Intelligence-Led Operation

Reports indicate that Kaigama was apprehended at approximately 7:15 p.m. on August 10.

Following the arrest, he was taken into the custody of Headquarters 25 Brigade, where investigators are expected to question him about his alleged activities and possible links to ISWAP networks in the Damboa axis.

The operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts by troops under Operation HADIN KAI to identify and disrupt terrorist networks, informants and collaborators operating in northeastern Nigeria.

Military Investigating Possible Accomplices

Security authorities are expected to investigate whether Kaigama acted alone or worked with other individuals.

Investigators will also seek to establish how the alleged movement of civilians from the IDP camp was organized and whether the suspect maintained direct communication with terrorist elements operating in the area.

According to the report, further investigations could lead to the identification of additional suspects or collaborators.

Security Challenges Around IDP Camps

The development highlights the difficult security environment facing displaced communities in Borno State.

IDP camps provide shelter to civilians who have been forced from their homes by years of insurgency and violence. Maintaining security around these communities is therefore a major concern for the military and other government agencies.

Authorities have repeatedly relied on intelligence operations to identify individuals suspected of facilitating terrorist activities within civilian populations.

Part of Wider Counterterrorism Operations

The arrest comes as Nigerian security forces continue operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP networks across the northeast.

Operation HADIN KAI has been conducting intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, movements and support networks.

The military's latest operation in Damboa underscores the importance of intelligence gathering in counterterrorism efforts, particularly in areas where militants attempt to operate through civilian networks.

What Happens Next?

Kaigama remains in military custody while investigations continue.

Authorities are expected to determine the extent of his alleged relationship with ISWAP, whether other people were involved and whether any additional arrests will follow.

For residents of Damboa and surrounding communities, the arrest could provide important information about alleged terrorist networks operating around displacement camps.

Conclusion

The arrest of a suspected ISWAP informant at the Damboa IDP camp has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of displaced communities to terrorist recruitment and support networks.

While the allegations against Umar Kaigama remain subject to investigation, the military says the arrest forms part of its broader effort to disrupt terrorist networks and their collaborators in Borno State.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish the full extent of the suspect's alleged activities and determine whether other individuals were involved.

Source: Zagazola Makama/Linda Ikeji's Blog. The allegations reported above have not been independently verified in court.