By Daily Review Online
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with Operation DESERT SANITY V, have sustained intensified counter-terrorism and counter-criminal operations across the North-East, recording significant successes, including arrests, disruption of logistics networks, recovery of weapons, and the dismantling of terrorist support systems.
According to a statement from the Theatre Command, troops conducted a series of intelligence-driven operations across Borno and Yobe States, leading to the arrest of key logistics suppliers and collaborators linked to terrorist networks.
At Benisheikh Market, troops working alongside Forest Guards arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko (40), who had been on a security watchlist. He was intercepted while transporting 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements.
In another operation within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested Mohammed Bulama (25) at Ngawom, Muna Garage, also suspected of acting as a logistics supplier and informant. Preliminary investigations reportedly confirmed his links with terrorist elements, and he is expected to provide further intelligence.
Troops also arrested an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with a personal weapon. He was later apprehended in Maiduguri, with investigations indicating involvement in criminal activities, including robbery. His rifle and magazines have been recovered.
Earlier operations in Biu Local Government Area led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper linked to a wider criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling. The suspect reportedly admitted to operating across multiple locations and maintaining connections with terrorist networks through recovered weapons from neutralised insurgents.
Similarly, in the Gubio axis, troops intercepted another suspected logistics supplier transporting large quantities of food items allegedly intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, further disrupting supply chains supporting insurgent activities.
In Adamawa State, troops in collaboration with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who allegedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions across Borno and Adamawa States.
The operations also recorded voluntary surrender of a fleeing terrorist in the Kukawa axis, who reportedly came in with two children due to sustained military pressure. Additionally, offensive operations in the Damboa axis led to the discovery of deserted terrorist enclaves, with troops recovering rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition.
Authorities also confirmed the handover of 13 detainees to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution in line with due process.
The Theatre Command stated that these coordinated operations have significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks, reduced their operational capacity, and improved overall security conditions across the North-East.
It reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgents, restoring peace, and ensuring the safe return of normal economic and social activities in affected communities.