Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force North-East (OPHK) have arrested three suspected recruitment agents of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Banki town, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Credible security sources disclosed to Leadership that the suspects were arrested on Saturday, January 17, 2027, following actionable intelligence provided by a prominent resident of the town.
The sources said intelligence operatives were deployed to Banki in a covert operation, leading to the arrest of the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to recruit and move young persons for terrorist training.
“They were identified as Gajibo Kayama (23), Tahiru Modu (22) and Bulama Modu (24),” one of the sources said.
According to the sources, the suspects were involved in recruiting youths aged between 17 and 20 years from Banki town for 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,” the source added.
The sources further disclosed that the suspects have been handed over to the Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed interrogation and further action.
