Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno

by · The Eagle Online

Operatives of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested several suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Borno State.

The military said the arrests were recorded under Operation Desert Sanity V, a campaign aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and criminal networks across the North-East.

The Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, the operations led to the arrest of terrorist collaborators, the disruption of logistics supply chains, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and further security gains in the region.

Uba said: “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.”

He explained that intelligence-driven operations across Borno and Yobe states resulted in the arrest of several suspects linked to terrorist logistics activities.

Among them was 40-year-old Girema Aliko, a suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics supplier, who was arrested by troops and Forest Guards at Benisheikh Market in Borno State.

According to the military, Aliko had been on a security watchlist and was intercepted while attempting to transport 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

Uba said: “During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements.”

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In a separate operation, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested another suspected logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama, 25, at Ngawom in the Muna Garage area of Maiduguri.

The military said preliminary investigations established links between the suspect and terrorist groups.

Uba also disclosed that troops arrested an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with his personal weapon.

According to the statement, the soldier was apprehended in Maiduguri and investigations linked him to criminal activities, including robbery, during his absence from duty.

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

The military also arrested a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the statement, the suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other crimes, while also revealing links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups.

Another suspected terrorist logistics supplier was reportedly arrested along the Gubio axis while transporting large quantities of food items allegedly destined for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

In Adamawa State, troops working with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who reportedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa states.

Operation HADIN KAI also recorded progress under its surrender programme as a fleeing Boko Haram and ISWAP fighter surrendered alongside two children in the Kukawa axis following sustained military pressure.

Meanwhile, troops conducting offensive operations around the Damboa axis discovered several abandoned terrorist enclaves and recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs as well as PKT ammunition.

The military also handed over 13 detainees to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

Uba said: “The cumulative impact of these operations has significantly disrupted terrorist networks, weakened their logistics base, and reduced their capacity to operate freely.”

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the offensive against insurgents and restoring stability to the region.

Uba said: “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.”

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