Soldiers nab suspected Boko Haram suppliers in Borno

The Joint Task Force in the North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has arrested several suspected suppliers for Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State. This is part of their ongoing efforts to fight terrorism in the North-East.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

Uba mentioned that these arrests happened during Operation Desert Sanity V. He said the successes are due to continued military efforts across the area, leading to significant wins against terrorists and criminal groups.

"These include the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators, disruption of logistics supply networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, and consolidation of overall security gains in the North East," Uba stated.

He explained that intelligence and surveillance operations in Borno and Yobe states led to the capture of several suspects linked to terrorist logistics.

Among those arrested is Girema Aliko, a 40-year-old suspected logistics supplier for Boko Haram and ISWAP. He was caught by troops at Benisheikh Market in Borno State.

According to the statement, Aliko, who was on a security watchlist, was stopped while trying to transport 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. "During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements," Uba said.

In another operation, Uba reported that troops from the 7 Division Provost Group arrested a 25-year-old suspect named Mohammed Bulama at Ngawom in the Muna Garage area of Maiduguri.

"Preliminary investigations reportedly established links between the suspect and terrorist elements," he added.

The military also caught an absconding soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion. He allegedly deserted his unit with his weapon and was arrested in Maiduguri. Investigations linked him to robbery and other crimes during his absence.

"His rifle and magazines were recovered and he remains in custody pending further investigation and military action," Uba mentioned.

Uba also revealed that troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. This suspect admitted to being involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes across different communities.

He also shared information about links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups. Another suspected logistics supplier was arrested along the Gubio axis while transporting large amounts of food meant for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

In Adamawa State, troops, along with local hunters, caught two suspected ISWAP members. They confessed to taking part in attacks and abductions in Borno and Adamawa states.

The military has also made progress in its disarmament program. A fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendered with two children in the Kukawa axis due to ongoing military pressure.

Meanwhile, troops in the Damboa axis discovered several abandoned terrorist camps. They recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition.

The military also handed over 13 detainees to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Uba said the overall impact of these operations has weakened terrorist networks and reduced their ability to operate.

"The cumulative impact of these operations has significantly disrupted terrorist networks, weakened their logistics base, and reduced their capacity to operate freely," he noted.

He reassured the public that the military is committed to maintaining security and peace in the North-East. "The Joint Task Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, sustaining operational gains, and restoring lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region," Uba concluded.