Troops nab four terror logistics suspects

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers in separate operations in Yobe and Borno states, as military forces intensify efforts to disrupt terrorist support networks in the North-East.

The arrests were made during intelligence-led operations conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, according to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

In Geidam, Yobe State, troops of the 159 Battalion arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators during a cordon-and-search operation based on credible intelligence. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram fighters.

Items recovered from them included suspected cannabis, mobile phones, power banks, torchlights, knives, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, cough syrup, identity cards, ATM cards and cash.

In a separate operation in Monguno, Borno State, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, working with the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers following surveillance of terrorist supply routes.

Military authorities said the suspects allegedly admitted transporting food and other supplies to ISWAP members operating in Kukawa Local Government Area. Recovered items included foodstuffs, toiletries, headlamps, mobile phones, herbal medicines and cash.

Meanwhile, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected relatives of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) members during a patrol along the Gezuwa axis of Konduga Local Government Area in Borno State.

The group, comprising women, men and minors, reportedly said they fled the area following intensified military operations. They have been handed over to military intelligence personnel for profiling and further action.

The military said all suspects and recovered items had been transferred to the appropriate intelligence units for investigation.

It added that the operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics networks and deny insurgents access to vital supplies.

The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.