Nigerian Navy Drone Surveillance Leads to Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Collaborator in Lake Chad
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, following the arrest of a suspected terrorist collaborator during an intelligence-led surveillance mission in the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the suspect, identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi, was apprehended by personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) on June 1, 2026, after being tracked through a tactical drone operation.
The Navy disclosed that the arrest occurred during an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission when naval personnel observed the suspect emerging from an area where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted. Continued aerial monitoring reportedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he left the location.
Naval operatives subsequently tracked his movements in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was arrested.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Abdullahi frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contacts with terrorist groups operating within the area. Initial findings also suggested that he may have been involved in providing logistical support to the insurgents through the procurement and transportation of supplies.
The Navy said 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.
The Nigerian Navy noted that the operation highlights the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations in enhancing situational awareness and supporting counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad theatre.
Reaffirming its commitment to joint military operations under Operation HADIN KAI, the Navy pledged to continue deploying available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action and contribute to the restoration of peace and security across the North-East region.
