Troops of the 196 Amphibious Battalion under Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) collaborator during a routine security check in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The arrest was disclosed on Friday by security analyst Zagazola Makama through his official X handle.
According to security sources cited by Zagazola, the suspect, identified as Mrs. Kellu Alhaji Abba, aged 50, was apprehended at approximately 8:00 a.m. on May 20, 2026, at the C Company 7 Platoon checkpoint. Sources said the suspect, a Kanuri woman residing in the Lawanti area of Baga town, was intercepted while allegedly transporting supplies to her son, Modu Mustapha, who is believed to be a Boko Haram and ISWAP member operating within the Dumba general area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspect included four ready-to-use supplementary food packs, two hijabs, and one wristwatch. Military authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently in the custody of the 196 Amphibious Battalion for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The sources further stated that although the security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable. They added that troops have continued to maintain high morale and operational effectiveness in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North-East.
