Troops nab suspected Boko Haram suppliers in Borno

The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has arrested several suspected suppliers for Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State. This is part of their ongoing fight against 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 noted that these successes were achieved under Operation Desert Sanity V.

He explained that the achievements came from steady operational actions across the area, leading to significant wins against terrorist 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 said.

He added that intelligence and surveillance operations in Borno and Yobe states led to the arrests of several suspects involved in terrorist logistics.

One of the arrested individuals was Girema Aliko, 40, a suspected logistics supplier for Boko Haram/ISWAP. Troops from Operation HADIN KAI and Forest Guards caught him at Benisheikh Market in Borno State.

The statement noted that Aliko had been on a security watchlist. He was caught trying to transport 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

"During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements," Uba stated.

In another operation, Uba mentioned that troops from the 7 Division Provost Group arrested Mohammed Bulama, 25, who is also suspected of being a logistics supplier and informant. He was caught at Ngawom in the Muna Garage area of Maiduguri.

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

The military also arrested Private Umar Bema, a soldier who allegedly left his unit with his weapon. He was caught in Maiduguri, and investigations connected him to criminal acts like robbery during his absence.

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

Uba also mentioned that troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspect admitted to being involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes in various communities, and pointed out connections between criminal groups and terrorists.

Another suspected logistics supplier for terrorists was captured along the Gubio axis while transporting food items meant for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

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

The military also made strides in its program for disarming and accepting surrenders. A fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendered with two children in the Kukawa area due to continued military pressure.

Meanwhile, the statement said that troops in the Damboa area found several abandoned terrorist hideouts and recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition.

It was also reported that the military handed over 13 detainees to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Uba pointed out that the ongoing operations have significantly 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 said.

He assured the public that the military is committed to maintaining operational successes and restoring 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 added.