Troops ‘arrest ISWAP informant’ in Borno

Troops of Sector 3 Operation Hadin Kai, and the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have reportedly arrested Aji Dala, a suspected terrorist informant, in Borno.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the 45-year-old was arrested on Tuesday in Monguno LGA of the state. 

The publication gathered that Dala was arrested by 242 Battalion in conjunction with intelligence operatives at Charamari area. 

Zagazola Makama said his arrest was connected to a letter purportedly issued by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on their plan to attack Monguno town on November 17, 2023. 

The letter, signed by one Amir Hallat Muhammed, said “people of Monguno should be prepared. We (ISWAP) are coming to attack you on Wednesday”. 

Zagazola Makama said the purported letter has caused panic among residents of Monguno, adding that it was later discovered that “it was from the ISWAP elements to cause panic”. 

“They have tried before and failed woefully. Let them try it again. Monguno is their burial ground. They themselves know it,” a military source told the publication. 

Last Thursday, troops of 7 Division and Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, killed six ISWAP fighters in their enclaves in Gime and Muzuri villages of the state.

During the operation, 78 kidnap victims — comprising 30 women and 48 children — were rescued, while some AK-47 rifles and 3 Dane guns were recovered.