Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member, recover ₦396,200 in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Babbangida in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The suspect was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 29 by troops of 233 Tank Battalion, Forward Operating Base Babbangida, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to be an Islamic cleric operating in the Sahara area of the North-East Republic of Niger.

According to security sources, the suspect reportedly travelled by truck from the Zarmadu-Sahara general area of Niger Republic into Nigeria and disembarked at Bayamari.

He subsequently boarded a commercial vehicle to Shuari Madinatu in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Borno State, before his arrest.

Troops recovered one mobile phone, a prayer mat, blanket, jacket, slate, detergent and ₦396,200 in cash from the suspect.

The suspect and the recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.