The Nigerian military has arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during an intelligence-driven operation in the North-East, seizing vehicles and materials believed to have been destined for insurgents.
The operation, carried out by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, took place on July 19 during a stop-and-search exercise along a route suspected to be used for moving supplies to terrorist groups.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Captain Muhammed Goni, said the suspects were intercepted while transporting the items in five vehicles.
“Troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), acting on credible intelligence, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network and arrested 6 suspects during a well coordinated covert operation aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains in the North East Theatre.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers travelling in 5 vehicles while conveying a large consignment of materials destined for terrorist elements.”
Recovered from the suspects were 202 cartons of herbicides, a jerrycan containing suspected acid, a Starlink internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
Military authorities said the items are believed to have potential dual-use purposes that could aid terrorist operations, including logistics, mobility and communication. The suspected acid and fertiliser will undergo forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of improvised explosive devices.
“Some of the recovered items, particularly the NPK fertilizers and suspected acid, will undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine their intended use, including any possible application in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” he added.
The suspects and all recovered items have since been transferred to the Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation aimed at uncovering the wider network behind the operation.
“The six suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for comprehensive investigation to establish the intended recipients, identify the wider logistics network, and facilitate the apprehension of other collaborators and sponsors,” he stated.
Goni said information obtained from rescued victims and families of surrendered terrorists suggests that sustained military operations have significantly weakened insurgent groups by disrupting their access to food, medical supplies and communication equipment.
“According to the debriefings, persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other essential logistics have compelled many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and enclaves while fleeing sustained military pressure,” he maintained.
He said the military would sustain operations targeting terrorists and everyone providing support for their activities.
“The Theatre will continue to target terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants, and collaborators to deny them the resources, freedom of movement, and operational capability required to sustain their campaign of terrorism,” he added.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing security agencies with useful information that could aid ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
“Such cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of lasting peace and security in the North East,” he said.