Troops arrest three suspected ISWAP recruitment agents in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected recruitment agents of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Banki town, Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended on January 17 following actionable intelligence provided by the Banki District Head.

According to the sources, intelligence operatives were deployed to the area on a covert mission and arrested the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to recruit youths and transport them for terrorist training.

The suspects were identified as Gajibo Kayama (23), Tahiru Modu (22) and Bulama Modu (24). They are believed to have been recruiting youths aged between 17 and 20 from Banki for ISWAP elements operating in parts of Adamawa State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were former ISWAP members who claimed to have renounced the group about five years ago but were allegedly involved again in recruitment activities.

“They were arrested while trying to recruit and move youths within Banki town for training in Adamawa State,” a source said.

The suspects have since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Regiment for further interrogation and necessary action.