By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces, have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during a security operation in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20, led to the interception of two vehicles conveying large quantities of veterinary products, medical supplies and other items allegedly without the required waybill or supporting documentation.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops recovered 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5 per cent dewormer, 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for animals, 32 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium Injection, 58 cartons of Benzylpenicillin Sodium BP, six cartons of Dexamethasone Injection and 51 cartons of Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion.
The troops also recovered 30 units of 80-inch LG plasma televisions, 152 empty Bagco sacks and seven mobile phones from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad Republic, while part of the concealed medical supplies was to be transferred into another truck near the Nigeria-Chad border in what the military described as an attempt to evade security checks.
The suspects have been taken into the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation.
Operation HADIN KAI said the interception was part of its sustained operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics and support networks in the North-East.
The military noted that by intercepting suspicious consignments before they reach their intended destination, troops were denying terrorist groups access to resources required to sustain their operations and limiting their freedom of movement.
It also urged pharmaceutical distributors, transporters, healthcare providers, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders moving bulk medical, pharmaceutical or agrochemical products within the North-East to ensure such consignments are properly documented and, where necessary, coordinated with the appropriate military authorities.
The Joint Task Force further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to dismantling terrorist support networks and sustaining peace and security in the region.