How Nigerian Intelligence Led To The Arrest Of Boko Haram Founder’s Son

A Nigerian intelligence tip-off  resulted in the arrest of Muslim, the son of slain Boko Haram founder, Muhammad Yusuf, by Chadian authorities.

Security analyst Bulama Bukarti revealed that Muslim, who was heading an ISWAP cell at the time of his capture, was picked up along with five others. His striking resemblance to Yusuf initially aroused suspicion, which was later confirmed by close family friends, relatives, and uncles.

“One family friend was emphatic: ‘Yes, he is his son. He was two or three when they launched their insurgency. He is the son of Bintu, Muhammad Yusuf’s first and eldest wife,’” Bukarti said.

He added that the suspect’s age corresponded with the timeline of Boko Haram’s early days, matching details reported by Chadian authorities.

Bukarti attributed the success to improved intelligence-sharing and inter-agency coordination led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, noting that the strategy has begun to yield tangible results in recent weeks.