Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested 18 suspected logistics suppliers allegedly en route to Gubio, with plans to proceed to the Gudumbali axis, a known Boko Haram terrorists (BHTs) enclave.
The development was disclosed in a daily operational report released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.
According to the military, the suspects were intercepted while travelling to deliver goods to the террорист group. Preliminary investigations revealed that all 18 suspects confessed to supplying items to the insurgents.
“They admitted that they routinely purchase and convey items to the terrorists.
“Their justification was lack of employment, which points to a deeper socio-economic challenge in Maiduguri and its environs,” the army stated.
The report noted that the arrests reinforce recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff regarding the link between economic hardship and the sustenance of insurgency logistics networks.
“The arrest highlights the critical role of civilian collaborators in sustaining terrorist operations, particularly in remote areas such as Gubio and Gudumbali,” it added.
The army emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations with economic empowerment and job creation to tackle the root causes of insurgency in the region.