The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational breakthrough in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator in the Lake Chad region.
The suspect, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, was apprehended on June 1, 2026, during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) using a tactical drone.
According to the Navy, the operation began when surveillance teams observed the suspect emerging from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted. Continuous aerial monitoring reportedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he left the area.
Acting on the intelligence gathered, naval personnel tracked the suspect in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was subsequently arrested.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the region. Initial findings further suggested that he may have been involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and transportation of essential supplies.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal belongings and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.
Following an initial interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation highlights the increasing importance of intelligence-led and technology-driven operations in strengthening situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad area.
Reaffirming its commitment to joint military operations under Operation HADIN KAI, the Navy stated that it would continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist groups freedom of action and contribute to the restoration of peace and security across the North-East region.
