(SINL NIGERIA) The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North East with the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator during an intelligence-led operation in the Lake Chad region.
The arrest was carried out on June 1, 2026, by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission that employed a tactical drone to monitor activities within the area of operations.
According to the Nigerian Navy, surveillance footage captured a suspicious individual, later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, emerging from a location where terrorist elements had previously been sighted.
Further monitoring reportedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he left the area.
Naval personnel subsequently tracked the suspect in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Abdullahi frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist groups operating in the area. Initial findings also suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and transportation of essential supplies.
The Navy said a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.
Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
The operation highlights the increasing role of intelligence, surveillance and technology-driven capabilities in enhancing situational awareness and strengthening counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue to support joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI by deploying available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action and contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in the North East.
