Troops, CJTF arrest teenage suspected terrorist in Borno

Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI operating under the 149 Battalion, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a teenage suspect during a security operation in Borno State.

The arrest reportedly took place in Gubio town on May 14 at about 1:20 p.m. during a joint operation targeting suspected insurgents and criminal elements operating within the area.

According to information shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect was identified as Umar Zacharria, a 15-year-old from Jere Local Government Area of the state.

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Security sources cited in the report alleged that the teenager confessed to belonging to a group involved in attacks and terror-related activities targeting motorists around the Kareto general area.

The operation formed part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by security forces to track down suspected terrorists and dismantle criminal networks operating across parts of northeastern Nigeria.

Sources further disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation to determine the level of his alleged involvement and possible connections to other members of the group.

The arrest highlights continuing security concerns in parts of Borno State despite sustained military operations against insurgent groups in the region.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the development, while investigations into the matter are said to be ongoing.