KEY POINTS

• Troops of Operation Hadin Kai and the Civilian Joint Task Force killed two suspected ISWAP spies attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon through Borno State.

• Intelligence reports suggested the suspects were linked to insurgent activities and may have been gathering information or procuring supplies for terrorist groups.

• Following the operation, security forces intensified surveillance and border patrols as part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration and strengthen security in the North-East.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed two suspected spies linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, while they were allegedly attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon through a border corridor in Borno State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the 152 Battalion stationed in Banki, working in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and combat insurgent activities in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to security sources, the incident occurred on June 21 when the two suspects reportedly crossed from the Cameroonian side of the border fence into Nigerian territory.

Intelligence reports available to security personnel indicated that the individuals were believed to have links with ISWAP, one of the insurgent groups operating in the Lake Chad region.

The suspects were allegedly under surveillance after intelligence suggested they may have entered Nigeria to gather information on military deployments and security operations or to procure supplies for terrorist elements operating within the region.

Troops Launch Ambush Operation Against ISWAP

Security sources said the ISWAP terrorists were spotted attempting to scale the border fence and enter Nigeria.

Upon detecting their movement, troops reportedly laid an ambush and engaged them.

The ensuing operation resulted in the deaths of both suspects before they could complete their mission.

Military sources described the action as a proactive measure aimed at preventing potential security breaches and disrupting support networks used by terrorist groups.

Following the operation, troops conducted extensive searches of the surrounding area to ensure no other suspects were operating nearby.

Security personnel also intensified surveillance along the border corridor to prevent additional infiltration attempts by suspected terrorist collaborators.

The military has continued to maintain a strong presence in the area due to the strategic importance of the Nigeria-Cameroon border, which has historically been used by insurgents for movement, logistics, and intelligence gathering.

The latest operation forms part of broader counter-terrorism efforts being undertaken by Operation Hadin Kai across Nigeria’s North-East.

Military authorities have sustained offensive operations, intelligence-driven missions, and border patrols aimed at disrupting insurgent activities and limiting their operational capabilities.

The security operation is also intended to deny terrorist groups access to supplies, intelligence, and freedom of movement across international borders.

Security sources noted that troops remain on high alert throughout the theatre of operations despite relative calm in some parts of the region.

They stressed that the security situation remains unpredictable due to the continuing threat posed by insurgent groups operating within and around the Lake Chad Basin.

Military authorities have therefore continued to prioritise border security, surveillance, and intelligence gathering as part of efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration and maintain stability in the North-East.

The operation underscores the military’s commitment to strengthening security along Nigeria’s borders and disrupting networks that support insurgent activities in the region.