Operatives of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three persons accused of recruiting youths for the Islamic State West Africa Province in Banki, Borno State.
The arrests were executed on Saturday following credible intelligence supplied by the district head of Banki, according to Zagazola Makama, a security expert monitoring developments in the Lake Chad basin.
Security sources disclosed that intelligence operatives conducted a covert operation, apprehending the suspects while they were allegedly recruiting young persons and arranging their transportation for terrorist indoctrination.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gajibo Kayama, 23, Tahiru Modu, 22, and Bulama Modu, 24.
It was believed that the trio had been enlisting youths aged between 17 and 20 from Banki town for ISWAP militants based in Adamawa State.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were previously linked to ISWAP and had purportedly abandoned the terrorist group approximately five years ago, but allegedly resumed recruitment operations.
The suspects have been handed over to military intelligence operatives for thorough interrogation and ongoing investigation.