Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) recruitment agents in Banki town, Borno State.
According to sources, the suspects were apprehended on January 17 following a tip-off from the Banki District Head, who alerted security operatives to suspicious activities in the area.
Intelligence operatives were deployed on a covert operation and intercepted the suspects while they were allegedly recruiting and transporting youths for terrorist training.
The suspects have been identified as Gajibo Kayama, 23; Tahiru Modu, 22; and Bulama Modu, 24. They are accused of attempting to recruit youths aged between 17 and 20 from Banki town to join ISWAP elements operating in Adamawa State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were former ISWAP members who claimed to have repented about five years ago, but were allegedly re-engaging in recruitment activities.
“They were arrested while trying to recruit and convey youths within Banki town for training in Adamawa State,” a source said.
The suspects have been handed over to the Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed interrogation and further action.
This arrest underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to curb terrorism and prevent youth radicalization in the Northeast.
