Two soldiers attached to the 135 Special Forces Battalion of the Nigerian Army are under investigation for allegedly collaborating with ISWAP terrorists and compromising national security in Yobe State.
The soldiers’ telephone conversations were intercepted and analysed by security operatives, revealing links to the May 9 kidnap of commuters along the Gashua–Azare highway.
Credible information close to the investigation said the duo allegedly leaked the movements of their patrol team along the Buratai–Kamuya–Azare–Gashua axis, paving the way for ISWAP fighters to stage an ambush that briefly disrupted civilian movement before a successful counter-attack was launched.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama, stated that the betrayal was believed to have enabled the terrorists set up the ambush which was ultimately foiled by troops of the same battalion during a swift rescue mission that led to the freeing of four abducted civilians and the recovery of weapons and equipment.
According to him, the military authorities have since launched a full-scale internal investigation into the matter. The two soldiers are currently in custody, and their identities are being withheld pending further findings.
He said this revelation had triggered concerns over internal sabotage and the urgent need for tighter intelligence monitoring within the ranks to prevent future breaches and preserve the integrity of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast.
A top security official stated, “The system will not spare any uniformed personnel found collaborating with enemies of the state. The fight against insurgency must be backed by absolute loyalty and trust.”