ISWAP Launches Mass Recruitment As Nigerian Army Arrests Agents
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected recruitment agents of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Banki town, Borno State, in a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended on January 17 after a community leader in Banki alerted authorities to suspicious movements linked to terrorist recruitment activities, PRNigeria reports. The sources added that intelligence operatives were covertly deployed to the area, where they intercepted the suspects as they allegedly attempted to enlist and transport youths for terrorist training.
The suspects were identified as Gajibo Kayama, 23; Tahiru Modu, 22; and Bulama Modu, 24. They are believed to have been recruiting young people aged between 17 and 20 from Banki for ISWAP elements operating in parts of Adamawa State. Preliminary investigations showed that the trio were former ISWAP members who claimed to have renounced the group about five years ago but were allegedly re-engaging in recruitment activities.
“They were arrested while attempting to recruit and convey youths from within Banki town to Adamawa State for training,” a security source said. The suspects have since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Regiment for further interrogation and necessary action.
