Nigerian Navy Arrests Suspected Terrorist Collaborator During Drone Surveillance Operation in Lake Chad
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East with the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC).
The suspect, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, was arrested on June 1, 2026, during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission conducted using a tactical drone within the Lake Chad area of operations.
According to the Navy, personnel monitoring the operation observed the suspect emerging from a location where terrorist elements had previously been sighted. Further surveillance reportedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he departed the area.
Acting on the intelligence gathered, naval personnel tracked the suspect in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was eventually apprehended.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Abdullahi frequently travelled between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contacts with terrorist elements operating within the region.
Initial findings also suggested that the suspect may have been involved in providing logistical support to the terrorists through the procurement and transportation of essential supplies.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of personal belongings 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 line with established procedures.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A. Folorunsho, said the operation highlights the increasing role of intelligence gathering, surveillance and technology-driven operations in strengthening situational awareness and supporting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad region.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting joint military operations under Operation HADIN KAI, noting that the Service would continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist groups freedom of action while contributing to the restoration of peace and security in the North-East.
Nigerian Navy Arrests Suspected Terrorist Collaborator During Drone Surveillance Operation in Lake Chad