Troops of the joint task force (JTF) north-east, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intercepted a significant consignment of logistics supplies suspected to be intended for terrorist groups.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the theatre command said the breakthrough was recorded under Operation Desert Sanity IV on September 16, following credible intelligence.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, soldiers stopped a red 14-tyre trailer along the Nguru–Gashua road in Yobe at about 7:40 a.m. and moved the vehicle to a secure location for detailed inspection.
“The vehicle was later moved to a secured location and carefully offloaded. On inspection at about 9:00 p.m., the same day, troops discovered 700 bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser used in making IEDs, 27 cartons of assorted drugs, and nine cartons of normal saline solution, all concealed beneath bundles of fabric materials,” the report reads.
The command said the consignment was meant to be transported to Niger Republic.
Later that same day, around 10:30 a.m., troops operating along the same route intercepted two Sharon vehicles and another trailer loaded with bulk fabric and several solar panels.
The fabric was reportedly intended for producing uniforms for fighters.
“All drivers, motor boys, and the recovered items are in custody, pending further investigation and the arrest of identified consignees and consignors,” the report added.
The theatre command called on residents to continue providing timely intelligence to help cut off supply lines to insurgent groups.
It further stated that the military high command had commended the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed its determination to dismantle logistics chains sustaining violence in the north-east.