Army Intercepts Suspected ISWAP Member, Seizes Starlink Device in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Munguno Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering a Starlink satellite internet terminal and other communication equipment.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on his X handle, citing military sources.

The suspect was apprehended around 3:05 p.m. on Wednesday during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno Road.

Soldiers from the 212 Battalion reportedly intercepted the individual after observing suspicious movement.

A search revealed a Starlink device, a Wi-Fi router with six access points, a mobile phone, and N1,000 cash.

During initial questioning, the suspect claimed he was running an internet service business in his community.

However, security officials noted that the circumstances surrounding his possession of the equipment raised concerns, leading to his transfer to the Military Intelligence Brigade (7 MIB) for further investigation.

Authorities are now working to determine whether the recovered devices were intended to support terrorist communications or logistics, and to identify any possible collaborators.

The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to disrupt insurgent networks in the North-East, particularly by targeting individuals suspected of providing technical or logistical support to ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS).

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