Troops in Borno State have arrested a 15-year-old boy, Tijjani, suspected of involvement in attacks on the Benisheik and Ngamdu communities. The arrest occurred on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Ngamdu during military operations targeting insurgent activities. Security sources confirmed the apprehension, stating that the suspect made a statement during preliminary interrogation admitting participation in the attacks that occurred on Thursday.
Tijjani claimed he was part of a mobile group operating across northern Borno's conflict-affected areas. He reportedly told interrogators he had recently separated from other members of the group before his capture. The communities of Benisheik and Ngamdu have faced repeated assaults over the years by factions linked to Boko Haram. Military officials have not disclosed whether other suspects were apprehended or if further operations are underway.
The use of minors in insurgency-related activities has been documented in the region's prolonged conflict. No official statement has been released by the military's media wing, but security sources confirmed the suspect's age and the circumstances of his arrest. The incident underscores the complex challenges facing security forces in distinguishing combatants from vulnerable youths caught in the conflict zone.
