Troops Arrest Two Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers in separate operations conducted in Borno State.
According to a special operational report by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist support networks in the state.
The report stated that the first suspect, identified as Musa Idi, was arrested at about 2:00 p.m. on June 8 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion at a checkpoint along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari road.
Items recovered from the suspect included five containers of Atraforce chemical, five containers of Kelisate herbicide, 100 sachets of tramadol capsules and two small nylon bags containing suspected smoked substances.
Military sources said the suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation at the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment to determine the extent of his involvement with terrorist elements operating in the area.
Read Also:
In a related development, troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison, working in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested another suspect, Abu Aji, during a patrol at the Damboa market later the same day.
The report indicated that the suspect was apprehended over alleged links to the supply of logistics to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters operating within Damboa Local Government Area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to supplying logistics to terrorist elements.
Items recovered from him included 19 wristwatches, a large mat, a transistor radio and two cartons of agro-allied chemicals.
The military said the suspect and the recovered items had been transferred to the Headquarters of the 25 Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.
The sources noted that disrupting logistics networks remains a critical aspect of counterinsurgency operations, as insurgent groups rely heavily on local suppliers for food, communication devices, medications and other essential materials required for sustaining operations.
They added that the arrest of logistics suppliers could provide valuable intelligence capable of exposing wider support networks and facilitating future operations against terrorist cells.
Operation Hadin Kai has continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations across the North-East aimed at degrading the operational capability of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters while denying them access to supplies and safe havens.