Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Nigerian Navy says it has recorded a major operational breakthrough in the Lake Chad area following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator during an intelligence-driven surveillance mission.I
n a statement by the Navy spokesperson, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho , he confirmed that the arrest was made on June 1, 2026, by personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad under Operation Hadin Kai, during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted with the support of a tactical drone.
According to the statement, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, moving from an area where terrorist elements had previously been sighted.
He was later seen interacting with armed terrorists before leaving the location.The suspect was subsequently tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was arrested by naval operatives.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating in the region.
He is also believed to have provided logistical support, including the movement of essential supplies to the group.A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of personal effects and other items relevant to ongoing investigations.
Following initial interrogation, the suspect was handed over to appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation underscores the growing importance of intelligence, surveillance, and technology-driven tactics in enhancing situational awareness and strengthening counter-terrorism operations in the Lake Chad region.
It added that it will continue to support joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai, while deploying available assets to deny terrorist elements freedom of action and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the North East.