The navy has announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator in the Lake Chad region following a drone-assisted surveillance operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad under ‘Operation HADIN KAI’.
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According to a statement issued on June 1, the suspect, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, was detected during an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission using a tactical drone.
Naval personnel reportedly observed him leaving an area where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted and later interacting with armed insurgents.
The navy said the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Abdullahi frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist operatives in the area.
He is also suspected of providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and transportation of supplies.
Items considered relevant to ongoing investigations were recovered during a search of the suspect.
Following initial interrogation, he was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
The navy said the operation highlights the increasing use of intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and drone capabilities in supporting counter-terrorism efforts across the North-East.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting joint military operations under ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ and sustaining efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement while restoring peace and security in the region.
