Troops of operation Lafiya Dole have arrested an alleged spy, Modu Ari, for supplying information to Boko Haram insurgents.
The suspect was alleged to have been spying on the formation of the troops, an action said to have resulted in attacks on the soldiers.
Army Director of Public Relations, Brig-General Mohammed Yerima, said in a statement on Sunday that investigations had been launched to unmask more local spies of the insurgent group.
According to the statement, “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have arrested suspected Boko Haram informant whose spying activities and that of his accomplices were responsible for the attacks on troops position by terrorists in Kamuya, Yobe State.
“The informant who was identified as Modu Ari was apprehended by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade.
“On interrogation, he confessed to have revealed troops’ movement and position to his Boko Haram collaborators.
“Investigation is however ongoing to unravel the network of local informants whose nefarious activities have endangered troops on clearance operations around the fringes of Timbuktu Triangle.
“The unfortunate sabotage of troops movement by Ari and his accomplices made it possible for the terrorists to attack the rear element of troops on patrol.
“Though the attack was swiftly repelled by troops from the Tactical Headquarters of 27 Task Force Brigade and Army Super Camp 3 Buratai, own troops suffered some casualties.
“In spite of the setback, the Chief of Army Staff has encouraged troops of Operation Tura Takaibango to keep their fighting spirit up and to remain dedicated in the effort to flush out the remnants of the terrorists as quickly as possible.
“He charged them not to relent even in the face of gross unpatriotic acts of some locals who are snitching on their movements and positions.”
The Army spokesman advised citizens to avail the troops of credible and timely information that will help in flushing out the insurgents.