Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a 15-year-old suspected logistics courier for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ngamdu, Borno State, in connection with recent terrorist attacks and ongoing military operations in the Jilli axis.
Security sources revealed that the suspect, identified as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday, April 12, 2026, while allegedly attempting to procure supplies for insurgents operating along the Ngamdu–Benisheik corridor.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to participating in coordinated attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu carried out last Thursday.
“My name is Tijjani, I am 15 years old. I was arrested today in Ngamdu. I was among the terrorists that attacked Benisheik and Ngamdu,” he said.
He further disclosed that the group mobilised from Jilli, a known insurgent enclave in Gubio Local Government Area, where they returned after carrying out the attacks.
“Before the attack, we came from Jilli and returned there after the attack,” he added.
According to the suspect, he had been redeployed from Jilli on Saturday with the sum of N850,000 to procure logistics for other fighters but was intercepted by troops before completing the mission.
“I was sent from Jilli yesterday with N850,000 to collect some logistics from Ngamdu, but I was arrested by troops,” he stated.
He also revealed that other fighters remained at the Jilli enclave but could not confirm their fate following recent military airstrikes on the area.
“I left my colleagues at Jilli yesterday. I don’t know what has happened to them there,” he said.
Military sources noted that the arrest provides further insight into the operational structure and logistics network of ISWAP in the region, highlighting the strategic role of Jilli as a staging ground and supply hub.
The development comes less than 24 hours after the Air Component of OPHK carried out precision airstrikes on the Jilli axis, reportedly destroying a key logistics base and neutralising several insurgents.
The operation, which followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, targeted motorcycles and vehicles believed to be used by insurgents and their logistics handlers.
Field reports indicated that at least two motorcycles and one vehicle were destroyed, while multiple insurgents were killed during the strike. Some fighters were said to have initially taken cover during the air raid but later returned to evacuate casualties.
Military authorities have consistently described Jilli as a stronghold for insurgents, reportedly used for coordination and logistics activities, including gatherings that facilitate operations.
The arrest of the teenage suspect underscores the continued reliance of insurgent groups on logistics couriers, including minors, to sustain their activities in the region.