Arrested ISWAP Member Claims He ‘Planned To Surrender After Ramadan Fast’

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a man suspected of belonging to the extremist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Security sources said the suspect was caught while transporting motorcycle tyres and other spare parts believed to be meant for insurgents operating around the Timbuktu Triangle in the North-East.

During questioning, the man admitted that he was connected to the terrorist group.

In a video shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect explained that he was based at a camp in Kauwa, which he said was led by a commander named Hamzala and assisted by another identified as Abu Umar.

“I am from the Markas of Kauwa under the leadership of Hamzala and assisted by Abu Umar. I buy the tyres from Bajoga in Gombe State and navigate through Kukuwa, Gumsa, Azare and cross to Buratai before returning to Timbuktu,” the suspect said.

“I buy the MCs tyres for 13,000 naira and sell for 25,000 naira as a wholesale. I also buy plugs for 3,000 naira and sell for 600 while we buy at 350 in Nigeria.”

The suspect further revealed that several ISWAP commanders had recently been killed in operations around the Timbuktu area, naming Ibba, Dusula and Farouk as some of the affected locations.

When asked if he intended to leave the group, he reportedly said: “I was planning to surrender immediately after the Ramadan fast, but unfortunately, I was caught.”

Military officials said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts by troops under Operation Hadin Kai to cut off supply routes and weaken the support systems that help insurgent groups operate in the North-East.

They added that the campaign forms part of wider intelligence-driven operations aimed at reducing the strength of ISWAP in the region.

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