Suspected ISIS Moroccan National Arrested as Troops Intensify Offensive in Borno

Nigerian troops have intensified offensive operations across the North East following a failed infiltration attempt by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, leading to the arrest of a suspected foreign terrorist believed to be linked to ISIS.

Military sources disclosed that the terrorists' attack on Cross Kauwa, which lasted until the early hours of Sunday, was successfully repelled by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, forcing the insurgents to retreat under sustained military pressure.

During follow-up exploitation operations conducted on Monday, troops recovered additional items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, including High Frequency Handheld (HHR) radios believed to have been used for communication during the assault.

The sources revealed that further exploitation operations extending to Abadam Local Government Area within the Lake Chad Islands (LCI) led to the arrest of a fleeing Arab suspect identified as a Moroccan national believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS).

According to the military, the suspect had earlier been identified through forensic analysis conducted in collaboration with international partners using video footage extracted from a camcorder recovered during the Cross Kauwa operation. The recording device was reportedly retrieved after the terrorist cameraman carrying it was neutralised by troops during the encounter.

The suspect was immediately airlifted by a Nigerian Air Force helicopter to a secure location, where he is currently undergoing interrogation and intelligence exploitation.

Military authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, noting that it could provide valuable intelligence on the activities and international connections of terrorist groups operating in the North East.

The development, according to the sources, further reinforces previous intelligence suggesting the involvement of foreign nationals within ISWAP's operational network.

The military said investigations are ongoing and assured that additional details on the suspect and the outcome of the interrogation would be made public as operational and security considerations permit.