By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
Four suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP collaborators have been arrested by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, during separate intelligence-led operations in Yobe and Borno states.
The operations also led to the recovery of suspected Indian hemp, food supplies, mobile phones, weapons, identity documents, ATM cards and other items believed to be linked to terrorist logistics.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the operations were conducted on Monday, as part of efforts to disrupt terrorist supply networks and deny insurgents access to materials that could support their activities in the North-East.
At Geidam in Yobe State, troops of 159 Battalion under Sector 2 arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators following a cordon-and-search operation based on credible intelligence.
The suspects were allegedly involved in supplying hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram terrorists, according to preliminary investigations.
The troops recovered a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, several mobile phones, including Tecno, Itel, Maxfone and other Android devices, as well as power banks, scissors, knives, torchlights, lighters and cigarette rolls.
Other recovered items were Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, a National Identity Card, Permanent Voter’s Card, ATM cards and ₦14,530 cash.
In Monguno, Borno State, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, alongside 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers at about 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
The arrests followed sustained surveillance of terrorist supply routes as the troops intensified efforts to disrupt the movement of supplies to insurgents.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted conveying food items and other supplies to ISWAP terrorists operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village, Kukawa Local Government Area.
Among the items recovered were 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri.
The troops also recovered three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, an assault knife, a charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, ₦6,600 and other sundry items.
Separately, troops of 222 Battalion (Main), while conducting a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis of Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists.
The group comprised nine women, two men, eight girls and one boy and was intercepted after reportedly fleeing its enclave amid intensified military pressure.
During preliminary investigation, the individuals disclosed that they had escaped from Gezuwa following military operations against their settlement.
They were subsequently handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further profiling and necessary action.
The four arrested suspects, along with all recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation and exploitation.
Goni said the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of the military’s intelligence-driven approach in disrupting terrorist logistics and dismantling support networks.
He said the military remained committed to sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
According to him, such cooperation would support ongoing counter-terrorism operations and contribute to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North-East Theatre.
