Soldiers from the 159 Battalion, serving under the Operation Hadin Kai mandate, have taken a 23-year-old man into custody on suspicion of acting as a lookout for terrorist organizations in Yobe State.
The individual was caught in Kanama, located within the Yunusari Local Government Area, after local members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) shared helpful tips with the military.
A source told Zagazola Makama: “The suspect was arrested at about 3:15 pm on March 30 following intelligence provided by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.”
Reports indicate that the troops acted swiftly upon receiving the information, moving into the sector to detain the man, identified as Isah Mahammadu, who hails from the village of Kafetowa in Yunusari.
In the first round of questioning, the young man refuted any connection to Boko Haram or ISWAP, maintaining that his presence in the town was strictly for the upcoming Sallah holiday.
The source said, “Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect denied involvement with terrorist groups, claiming he was in Kanama to celebrate the Sallah festivities.”
Upon searching him, authorities found a small pouch holding a mirror, four bracelets, a basic torchlight-equipped phone, and N3,500 in cash.
The source added, “The suspect and the recovered items are currently in military custody and will be transferred to the Military High Command for further investigation and action.”