BORNO STATE, NIGERIA – Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 15-year-old suspect over his alleged involvement in a deadly attack that claimed the life of a Nigerian Army brigadier general and three other soldiers in Borno State.
The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday while reportedly on his way to purchase food and logistics for members of his insurgent group, according to military sources.
His arrest has raised fresh concerns about the recruitment of minors into terrorist organisations and the continued operational reach of Boko Haram in the North-East region.
Teenage Suspect Linked to Killing of Senior Military Officer
Military sources confirmed that Tijjani is linked to the attack that led to the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, and three other soldiers.
General Braimah was killed on Thursday during a brazen attack on a military base by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. His death sent shockwaves through the military establishment and underscored the persistent threat posed by the terrorist group despite years of counter-insurgency operations.
Suspect Confesses: “I Participated in Attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu”
In a video seen online, Tijjani, speaking in Hausa, detailed his alleged role in the insurgent activities. He claimed to have participated in attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu – two communities that have experienced repeated Boko Haram assaults over the years.
“Before the attack, we came from Jilli and returned there after the attack. I was sent from Jilli yesterday with N850,000 to collect some logistics from Ngamdu, but I was arrested by troops,” Tijjani said in the video.
He added: “Yesterday (Saturday), I left other fighters, my colleagues, at Jilli. I don’t know what happened to them there.”
Arrest at Ngamdu: A Logistics Run Intercepted
Tijjani was arrested at Ngamdu in Borno State, a strategic town along the highway connecting Borno to Kano State. Intelligence sources suggest that Ngamdu has served as a transit point for insurgent logistics, including food, fuel, and other supplies.
The teenager was reportedly carrying N850,000 – a significant sum believed to be intended for purchasing supplies for insurgents still hiding in the Jilli forest area, a known Boko Haram stronghold in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Jilli: The Same Stronghold Targeted in Recent Airstrike
Interestingly, Jilli – the location Tijjani mentioned as his base – is the same Boko Haram stronghold that was targeted in the recent military airstrike that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties in neighboring Yobe State.
This connection suggests that Jilli remains a significant operational hub for insurgents, despite repeated military campaigns against the group.
Military Sources Confirm Arrest
Military sources familiar with the operation confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations.
“The suspect is currently in custody and is providing valuable intelligence that could lead to further breakthroughs,” a source told reporters.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest, but security analysts believe the apprehension of a minor carrying such a large sum of money highlights the evolving nature of Boko Haram’s logistics and recruitment networks.
Concerns Over Child Recruitment by Boko Haram
The arrest of a 15-year-old suspect has reignited discussions about the exploitation of children by terrorist groups in North-East Nigeria.
According to the United Nations, thousands of children have been abducted or coerced into joining Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over the past decade. These minors are often used as cooks, spies, messengers, and sometimes frontline fighters.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of children rescued from armed groups, rather than treating them solely as suspects.
Who Was Brigadier General Oseni Braimah?
Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was a highly respected senior military officer serving as commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai. His death on Thursday marked one of the highest-profile casualties in the counter-insurgency campaign in recent months.
He and three other soldiers lost their lives when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated assault on their military base. The attack has prompted a review of security protocols at military installations in the region.
