The Nigerian Navy has recorded another operational success in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North East following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC).
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspect, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, was arrested on June 1, 2026, during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted with a tactical drone in the Lake Chad area of operations.
The Navy said personnel monitoring the area observed the suspect emerging from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted. Continued surveillance allegedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area.
The suspect was subsequently tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was apprehended by security personnel.
Preliminary investigations allegedly indicated that Abdullahi frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the area. He is also alleged to have provided logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.
Security personnel recovered personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations during a search of the suspect.
The Navy said the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in line with established procedures.
The operation, according to the statement, highlights the increasing role of intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and drone operations in strengthening situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting joint military operations under Operation Hadin Kai and pledged to continue deploying available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist groups freedom of action while contributing to peace and security in the North East.
