Lake Chad: Navy Uses Drone Intelligence to Arrest Terrorist Logistics Suspect
The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in the Lake Chad area following a successful Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operation conducted under Operation HADIN KAI.
A statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, today in Abuja.
The arrest was carried out on June 1, 2026, by personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) during a drone-enabled surveillance mission aimed at tracking terrorist movements within the North East theatre of operations.
According to the Navy, the operation was supported by tactical drone surveillance which enabled real-time monitoring of activities across the Dumba axis of the Lake Chad region.
During the mission, naval personnel observed a suspicious individual later identified as Baba Saidu Abdullahi moving from a location where terrorist elements had earlier been sighted. Further monitoring reportedly revealed interactions between the suspect and armed terrorists before he moved away from the area.
The suspect was subsequently tracked in real time from the Dumba axis to the vicinity of Charlie Company, 196 Amphibious Battalion, where he was intercepted and arrested by naval personnel.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect frequently moved between Dumba and Baga Town and allegedly maintained contact with terrorist elements operating in the region.
Initial findings further suggested that he was involved in providing logistical support to terrorist groups through the procurement and movement of essential supplies.
A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of personal effects 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 further action in line with established procedures.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation underscores the growing role of intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations in strengthening situational awareness and counter-terrorism efforts within the Lake Chad region.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI, noting that it will continue to deploy available assets and capabilities to deny terrorist elements freedom of action and support the restoration of peace and stability in the North East.
By TimesNG