Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 12 suspected collaborators, logistics suppliers and spies believed to be working for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP in a major intelligence-led operation in Damasak, Borno State.

The raid was conducted by soldiers of 5 Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai and followed a sustained surveillance effort targeting the shadowy support cells that feed the insurgency with information, supplies and safe havens in communities around the Lake Chad basin.

Security sources said the breakthrough came after the arrest and interrogation of a suspected intermediary, identified as Mustapha Goni Ahmed, at the Kadauri Cattle Market in Damasak. During questioning, Ahmed allegedly provided detailed information on meeting points, safe houses and individuals believed to be embedded in the local population and quietly aiding the insurgents.

Acting on this intelligence, troops launched coordinated cordon and search operations at several locations in and around Damasak. The carefully sequenced raids, carried out before dawn to maximise surprise, led to the arrest of 12 suspects described by military sources as part of a wider terrorist support network.

The suspects were named as Alhaji Dala Kawomi, 45; Bulama Mallum Kyari, 38; Shatamari Gabo Kyari, 30; Tujja Saloma, 20; Massa Mairami, 70; Bulama Chari Fannai, 36; Mustapha Mohammed, 28; Bukar Bulama, 23; Bunu Madu, 25; Awari Baba Goni, 23; Hassan Madu, 34; and Chellu Malari, 60.

Items recovered from the operation included three Tecno mobile phones, one Itel mobile phone, one Infinix smartphone and a small amount of cash totalling N7,360. Investigators believe the devices may contain contact lists, transaction records and communication trails that could expose additional members of the network.

The suspects are undergoing preliminary processing by military and security operatives before being transferred to the Joint Intelligence Fusion Centre in Maiduguri for in-depth interrogation, profiling and further action.

Military officials described the arrests as a significant counter intelligence success, noting that degrading the insurgents’ human support base is as critical as battlefield engagements in the long running conflict. They said efforts are ongoing to track down more alleged collaborators identified during the latest round of questioning, with additional operations expected in the coming days.