By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), Operation HADIN KAI, have taken into custody a man suspected of being a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after he reportedly surrendered in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Security sources said the suspect approached troops at about 6:47 p.m. on July 14 in the Cashew Plantation area during routine security operations.
According to the sources, the suspect told troops during preliminary interrogation that he was an ISWAP member from Warabe in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, and had voluntarily surrendered. He also allegedly said he disposed of an AK-47 rifle in a river before making contact with the troops.
The sources further claimed that the suspect admitted to participating in three attacks on Delwa alongside other members of the armed group.Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, a bicycle repair solution, a bicycle pump, a spoon and ₦6,500 in cash.
Military sources said the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further investigation to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Operation HADIN KAI has continued efforts to encourage the surrender of insurgents while conducting operations against armed groups in Nigeria’s North-East.
