The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the apprehension of a prominent leader affiliated with the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorist group.

The arrest was made by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), according to Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations.

In a statement, Major General Buba stated that targeting the leadership of these extremist organizations is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The successful sting operation took place on November 29, 2023, in Tarum Village on the outskirts of Bauchi Metropolis in Bauchi State. The joint efforts of the troops and DSS personnel led to the capture of the ISWAP leader responsible for the North Central and North West Zones.

The arrested individual is currently in custody, and further air operations have also been carried out against terrorist leaders in the North West and North Central zones, yielding significant successes.