The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has arrested several suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics suppliers in Borno State as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.
The Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Uba said the successes were recorded under the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V.
According to him, the achievements resulted from sustained operational momentum across the theatre, leading to major breakthroughs against terrorist and criminal networks.
“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 explained that intelligence-led and surveillance operations conducted across Borno and Yobe states led to the arrest of several suspects linked to terrorist logistics activities.
Among those arrested was a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko, 40, who was apprehended by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Forest Guards at Benisheikh Market in Borno State.
According to the statement, Aliko, who had reportedly been on a security watchlist, was intercepted while attempting 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 a separate operation, Uba also revealed that the 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.
“Preliminary investigations reportedly established links between the suspect and terrorist elements.”
“The military also apprehended an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with his personal weapon. He was arrested in Maiduguri, while investigations linked him to criminal activities, including robbery, during his period of absence.”
“His rifle and magazines were recovered and he remains in custody pending further investigation and military action,” he said.
Uba further disclosed that troops arrested a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across several communities, while also revealing links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups.
The spokesman added that another suspected terrorist logistics supplier was arrested along the Gubio axis while transporting large quantities of food items allegedly meant for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
In Adamawa state, troops working alongside local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who reportedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa states.
The military also recorded progress in its disarmament and surrender programme as a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendered with two children in the Kukawa axis due to sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, the statement maintained that troops conducting offensive operations in the Damboa axis discovered several deserted terrorist enclaves and recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition.
It revealed that the military also handed over 13 detainees to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Uba said the cumulative impact of the operations had significantly weakened terrorist networks and reduced their operational capabilities.
“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 reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining operational gains and restoring peace across 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.
In April, troops of the 82 Division and the Joint Task Force South-East arrested a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
They also recovered Improvised Explosive Devices during clearance operations in Imo state.
