Troops of Sector 3 Operation, Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have reportedly apprehended Aji Dala, a suspected terrorist informant, in Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the 45-year-old suspect was captured on Tuesday in Monguno Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was carried out by the 242 Battalion in conjunction with intelligence operatives at Charamari area.
The publication suggests that Dala’s arrest is linked to a letter allegedly issued by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), outlining their plan to attack Monguno town on November 17, 2023. The letter, signed by one Amir Hallat Muhammed, warned the residents of an impending assault.
The publication reported that the purported letter had triggered panic among the residents of Monguno. It was, however, revealed later that the message was a deliberate attempt by ISWAP elements to instill fear and create chaos.
“They have tried before and failed woefully. Let them try it again. Monguno is their burial ground. They themselves know it,” a military source said.
In a related development, troops of 7 Division and Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, in a separate operation, successfully neutralized six ISWAP fighters in their enclaves in Gime and Muzuri villages of Borno State.
The operation also led to the rescue of 78 kidnap victims, involving 30 women and 48 children.
Several weapons, including AK-47 rifles and 3 Dane guns, were also recovered during the operation.
