Troops arrest ISWAP fighter fleeing airstrikes in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted a suspected member of Boko Haram/ISWAP who was reportedly fleeing recent military airstrikes in Borno State.

Military sources said the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Ahmad Sheriff, was apprehended at about 10:12 a.m. on May 31 during a patrol along the Kukawa–Cross Kauwa axis in Kukawa Local Government Area.

He was reportedly travelling with two children when troops conducting routine operations stopped and arrested him.

Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect had fled from Kangarawa, a known insurgent enclave, following sustained airstrikes targeting the area.

According to the sources, Sheriff told investigators he escaped alongside 17 others, but the group later dispersed after encountering armed fighters while moving through the bush.

Items recovered from him included a smartphone, 43 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a solar panel, a power bank, sunglasses, a mosquito net, clothing, and N48,000 in cash.

Further findings suggest the suspect had spent about seven years with the terrorist group. He is said to be a native of Doron Baga in Kukawa LGA and is currently in military custody for further investigation.

The arrest comes as troops intensify coordinated ground and air offensives against insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad region.

Military authorities said while the overall security situation in the North-East remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance.