Insecurity: Troops arrest suspects, disrupt logistics networks in North-East
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded major successes in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, arresting suspected terrorists, logistics suppliers and criminal collaborators while recovering arms and ammunition from insurgent enclaves.
The military said the operations, conducted in conjunction with Operation Desert Sanity V across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, have significantly disrupted supply networks sustaining Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.
According to a statement from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), troops, supported by Forest Guards, arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko, at Benisheikh Market in Borno State. The suspect, who was reportedly on a security watchlist, was intercepted while transporting 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Military authorities disclosed that the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements operating within the region.
In a related operation, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama, at Ngawom in the Muna Garage area of Maiduguri. Preliminary investigations reportedly linked him to terrorist activities, while security agencies said he had volunteered useful information to support ongoing operations.
The military also confirmed the arrest of an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with his service rifle. Investigations revealed his involvement in robbery and other criminal activities during the period of his absence. His weapon and magazines have since been recovered.
Further operations in Biu Local Government Area led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper believed to be part of a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling. The suspect reportedly confessed to several crimes and disclosed links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups through weapons sourced from neutralised insurgents.
Troops also apprehended another suspected logistics supplier in 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 confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Adamawa and Borno states.
The military also reported progress in its ongoing disarmament and surrender programme, with a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendering alongside two children in the Kukawa area following sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, troops conducting offensive operations around Damboa discovered several deserted terrorist enclaves and recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs as well as PKT ammunition.
The statement added that 13 detainees were handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution, stressing that the successes reflect the military’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and consolidate security gains across the North-East