Troops arrest two suspected Boko Haram informants at Yobe market

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two men suspected of providing intelligence and logistical support to Boko Haram as well as participating in cattle rustling during a joint operation at Buni Yadi Friday Market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 27 Task Force Brigade alongside members of a local hunters’ group, followed intelligence reports that led security operatives to the market at about 2.00 pm on July 24, military sources disclosed on Sunday.

The suspects were identified as 32-year-old Muhammadu Sani of Mainahari village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State and 40-year-old Buba Umaru from Garin Jauro in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation took a violent turn when one of the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attacked a member of the hunters’ group with a cutlass.

The hunter suffered serious head injuries and received immediate medical attention before the troops subdued and arrested the suspects.

During initial interrogation, military sources said Sani admitted working as a logistics supplier and informant for Boko Haram for almost seven years.

He also allegedly confessed to directing insurgents to the homes of two residents, enabling them to steal cattle during separate raids.

Security sources believe the information obtained from the suspect could strengthen ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle networks that provide support to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The two men remain in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where investigators are examining their alleged roles in supplying logistics, gathering intelligence for terrorists and involvement in cattle rustling.

Military authorities said the arrests highlight the value of intelligence supplied by local communities and the close cooperation between troops and community-based security groups in tracking individuals suspected of aiding terrorist organisations.