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 in Borno state.
The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday while reportedly on his way to purchase food for members of his group.
Military sources said Tijjani is linked to the attack that led to the killing of Oseni Braimah, a brigadier general, and three other soldiers.
Braimah, commander of the 29 task force brigade under operation Hadin Kai, was killed on Thursday during an attack on a military base by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
In a video seen online, Tijjani said he was arrested at Ngamdu in Borno state.
The suspect, who spoke in Hausa, said he participated in attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu.
“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,” he said.
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“Yesterday (Saturday), I left other fighters, my colleagues, at Jilli. I don’t know what happened to them there.”
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.
