Local vigilante operatives in Adamawa State have reportedly arrested three suspected members of Boko Haram over an alleged plan to sabotage a major bridge linking parts of the state to the capital, Yola.
According to an emerging online video, the suspects were apprehended in Madagali Local Government Area of the state.
The video alleged that the arrest was carried out by a combined team of vigilantes and community hunters, who have increasingly played a supporting role in counter-insurgency operations alongside the military.
This aligns with recent operations in the area where troops, working with vigilantes, have intercepted and arrested Boko Haram collaborators and logistics suppliers in coordinated raids.
The suspects confessed in the video that they were planning to destroy a major bridge in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The bridge is said to be a critical link connecting up to eight local government areas, making it a strategic economic and mobility lifeline.
Security experts note that infrastructure such as bridges and roads are frequent targets for insurgents, as disrupting them can cripple movement, military logistics, and economic activity.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly claimed involvement in past attacks that led to the deaths of soldiers.
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One of the suspects, identified as Alhaji Saleh, allegedly disclosed that their next target included a planned assault on a military formation in Mubi.
The aim, according to the confession, was to seize weapons that would be used in executing the planned bridge attack.
Mubi has historically been a major flashpoint in the insurgency, having experienced repeated attacks and even temporary occupation by militants in the past.
The development underscores ongoing threats in Adamawa and the wider North-East, despite sustained military offensives under Operation Hadin Kai.
Recent months have seen continued attacks, including deadly raids on communities in Madagali and surrounding areas.
Analysts warn that the alleged plot reflects a shift toward targeting high-value infrastructure, which could have far-reaching consequences if successful.
The arrests highlight the growing importance of local vigilante groups and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who often provide intelligence and frontline support in difficult terrains where insurgents operate.
Military authorities have repeatedly credited such collaborations for disrupting terrorist supply chains and preventing attacks across the region.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement confirming the arrests or detailing the full scope of the alleged plot.
Investigations are said to be ongoing, with efforts focused on uncovering possible accomplices and wider networks.
The foiled plot serves as a stark reminder that, despite gains by security forces, insurgent threats remain active particularly in border communities and rural corridors.
With critical infrastructure now in the crosshairs, authorities face renewed pressure to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities to prevent potential large-scale disruptions.
