Troops kill suspected ISWAP spy in Borno
Troops have killed a suspected ISWAP spy who allegedly attempted to infiltrate a military defensive position in Konduga LGA of Borno state.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the incident occurred at about 7:45pm on July 11, after troops monitoring surveillance cameras spotted a suspicious individual approaching their location from the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa forest.
“According to the sources, the suspect was believed to be an ISWAP operative conducting reconnaissance on the military position,” Makama said.
“Troops deployed in an ambush position were immediately alerted and engaged the suspect as he attempted to infiltrate the defensive location, resulting in his neutralisation.
Military sources said the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of the deployment of surveillance technology and coordinated ground responses in detecting and eliminating terrorist threats before they can compromise troop positions.”
The incident is one of several recent cases in which suspected terrorists have been killed or arrested while allegedly spying on military positions in the north-east.
In June, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP spy over an alleged plot to attack two military formations in Borno state.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Shuaibu, was arrested after intelligence reports indicated a planned terrorist attack.
Shuaibu was apprehended during a routine perimeter patrol conducted about 500 metres from the anti-vehicle ditch protecting the base.
Also in June, troops killed two suspected ISWAP spies while they were allegedly attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon through a border area in Borno state.