- Security operatives arrest suspected Boko Haram intelligence operative linked to the recent Cross Kauwa attack and multiple kidnappings in Monguno, Borno State.
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Suspect allegedly confesses to working for a notorious Boko Haram commander, collecting levies and identifying residents for abduction.
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Investigators recover key telephone contacts allegedly linked to the terror network, providing fresh intelligence on insurgent operations.
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Security agencies intensify hunt for collaborators as efforts to dismantle Boko Haram’s intelligence and logistics network gather momentum.
July 29, (THEWILL) — Security operatives have recorded a major breakthrough in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East after cracking a suspected Boko Haram intelligence network with the arrest of a key operative allegedly involved in facilitating the recent terrorist attack on Cross Kauwa and a series of kidnappings in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
THEWILL gathered that the suspect, identified simply as Abulfatahi, was arrested on Monday, July 27, during an intelligence-led operation targeting members of a clandestine terrorist support network believed to be providing intelligence, logistics and operational assistance to Boko Haram fighters operating across northern Borno.
Security sources disclosed that the operation followed sustained surveillance aimed at exposing informants and collaborators suspected of supplying intelligence to insurgents, enabling them to evade security forces and execute attacks on communities.
The sources further revealed that two other suspected members of the same intelligence network had earlier been apprehended and transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre (JIFC), where they are undergoing further investigation.
Suspect Allegedly Confesses to Terror Role
According to security sources, Abulfatahi allegedly confessed during interrogation that he worked for a Boko Haram commander identified as Akilu, who is said to coordinate terrorist activities from the Dabar Masara and Garin Mace axis of Borno State.
The suspect reportedly admitted to collecting levies on behalf of the insurgent commander while also identifying residents who were later targeted for abduction around Monguno and neighbouring communities.
Investigators believe the confession has provided valuable insight into the operational methods of insurgent intelligence cells, which rely on local informants to monitor troop movements, identify vulnerable targets and sustain terrorist activities.
Security operatives also recovered two telephone numbers allegedly linked to the Boko Haram commander from the suspect’s mobile phone. The contacts are undergoing forensic analysis as part of efforts to trace communications within the network and identify additional collaborators.
Officials said intelligence obtained from the suspect could lead to further arrests and help dismantle other terrorist support structures operating across the Lake Chad region.
The sources said investigators are working to determine the full scope of the network’s activities, establish its links with other insurgent cells and identify everyone involved in providing intelligence, logistics and financial support to Boko Haram.
They added that a comprehensive investigation report would be prepared at the conclusion of the inquiry to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations and possible prosecutions.
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