Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, recover N1.54m from surrendered terrorists

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has arrested two suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics suppliers while six suspected ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Borno State.

The military said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and sustain pressure on insurgents across the North-East.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the six suspected ISWAP terrorists surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1, alongside their families.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group escaped from Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide terrorist enclaves located on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Items recovered from the surrendered suspects and their families included a cumulative sum of N1,541,500, two Tecno mobile phones and other unspecified items.

In a related development, troops at the Molai checkpoint apprehended a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier found in possession of large quantities of medical supplies without the required clearance.

The military said the suspect and the recovered items remain in custody for further interrogation.

Similarly, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion operating in Sector 2, in collaboration with local hunters, arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The suspect was intercepted with five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist elements and has been taken into military custody for investigation.

Operation HADIN KAI said the latest operational successes reflected the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in disrupting terrorist activities across the region.

The military reiterated its commitment to ongoing search and rescue operations, assuring that efforts would continue until all abducted persons are rescued and reunited with their families.

It also warned individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, medical supplies, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately.

The theatre command stressed that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorist groups, directly or indirectly, would be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.