The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi in Lake Chad.
The Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain AA Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
According to the statement, naval personnel observed the suspect during an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission in the area.
He said the suspect was seen moving from a location previously identified as a terrorist hideout.
Further surveillance reportedly revealed interactions between him and armed terrorist elements before he departed the area.
Further investigations indicated that the suspect frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the region.
“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),” the statement read.
“The arrest was made on 1 June 2026 during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted by NBLC personnel using a tactical drone within the Lake Chad area of operations.
“During the surveillance mission, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted.
“Further monitoring revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area.
“Consequently, the suspect was tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious. Battalion, where he was subsequently apprehended.
“Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating within the area.
“Initial findings further suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.
“A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal effects and other items considered relevant to ongoing investigations.
“Following preliminary interrogation, the suspect was handed over to the appropriate military authorities for further investigation and necessary action in accordance with established procedures.
“The operation underscores the growing role of intelligence, surveillance, and technology-driven operations in enhancing situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to supporting joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and will continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action while
contributing to the restoration of peace and security in the North East.”
