The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has confirmed the arrest of several individuals suspected of serving as logistics suppliers for Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State during ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the arrests were carried out under Operation Desert Sanity V.
He explained that the recent operations were made possible through sustained military pressure across the North-East, which has led to significant gains against terrorist networks and criminal collaborators.
According to him, the operations have resulted in the arrest of suspects, disruption of supply chains, recovery of weapons and ammunition, and an overall strengthening of security in the region.
He added that intelligence-led raids across Borno and Yobe states enabled troops to track and apprehend individuals connected to terrorist logistics support.
One of those arrested was a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko, 40, who was picked up at Benisheikh Market by troops and Forest Guards while allegedly moving 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
The statement noted that the suspect, who had already been on a security watchlist, reportedly admitted during interrogation to supplying fuel and other materials to terrorist groups.
In another operation, troops arrested Mohammed Bulama, 25, in the Muna Garage area of Maiduguri over alleged links to terrorist informants and logistics networks.
Uba also revealed the arrest of an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his post with a service rifle and was later linked to criminal activities, including armed robbery. His weapons were recovered, and he is currently under investigation.
Further operations in Biu Local Government Area led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper who reportedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and collaboration with terrorist groups.
Troops also intercepted another suspected logistics runner along the Gubio axis while allegedly transporting large quantities of food items believed to be meant for insurgents.
In Adamawa State, two suspected ISWAP members were arrested in collaboration with local hunters, with the suspects reportedly admitting involvement in attacks and abductions across Borno and Adamawa States.
The military also recorded a surrender in Kukawa axis, where a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter gave himself up with two children following sustained military pressure.
Uba further stated that troops in the Damboa axis discovered abandoned terrorist hideouts and recovered explosive devices and ammunition during clearance operations.
He added that 13 detainees were transferred to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
According to him, the cumulative effect of the operations has significantly weakened terrorist networks and reduced their ability to operate.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations and restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the North-East region.