Troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected informant for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) who allegedly guided terrorists during the deadly June 16 attack on Gubio, Borno State.
The suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio Local Government Area at about 5:00 p.m. on July 14, following credible intelligence linking him to terrorist activities in the area.
In a video circulating online, the suspect made a series of confessional statements in Hausa during a preliminary interrogation, admitting that he worked as an informant for ISWAP and played a direct role in the June 16 terrorist assault on Gubio.
The attack claimed the life of a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who was killed while defending the community against the insurgents.
During the interrogation, the suspect identified Gubio as his hometown and denied having any family ties with members of the terrorist group. However, he admitted that he was recruited by a man he identified as “Adam Boko Haram,” whom he described as a friend.
According to the suspect, his first assignment was to procure Tramadol for the alleged terrorist. He further disclosed that although he had spent nights with the recruiter, their relationship had lasted less than two months.
The suspect also confessed that shortly before the June 16 attack, heavily armed terrorists intercepted him and compelled him to guide them to their target.
He claimed the insurgents arrived on about 30 motorcycles, with three motorcycles initially transporting him to lead the convoy into Gubio.
According to his confession, the terrorists instructed him to point out the target location and immediately sit down once the shooting began.
He admitted that after showing the attackers where to strike, the gunmen dispersed and opened fire on the community while he remained where he had been ordered to stay.
The suspect further revealed that after the attack ended, the terrorists returned to retrieve him before fleeing the scene together.
Security sources said investigations are continuing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and identify other collaborators aiding insurgent operations across Borno State.
The arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counter-insurgency operations, highlighting the critical role of local informants in facilitating terrorist attacks and the renewed focus of security agencies on dismantling such networks.