Troops Arrest 2 Suspected ISWAP Logistics Suppliers In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during separate intelligence-led operations in Borno State.

The arrests were disclosed in a special operational report issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, which said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks across the region.

According to the report, the first suspect, identified as Musa Idi, was apprehended at about 2:00 p.m. on June 8 by troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion at a military checkpoint along the Mandaragirau–Sabon Gari road.

Items recovered from the suspect included five containers of Atraforce chemical, five containers of Kelisate herbicide, 100 sachets of tramadol capsules and two small nylon bags containing suspected smoked substances.

Military sources said the suspect is currently undergoing preliminary investigation at the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment to determine the extent of his alleged involvement with terrorist elements operating in the area.

In a related operation, troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested another suspect, identified as Abu Aji, during a patrol at Damboa Market later on the same day.

The report stated that the suspect was apprehended over alleged involvement in supplying logistics to Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters operating within Damboa Local Government Area.

During preliminary interrogation, Abu Aji reportedly confessed to providing logistical support to terrorist elements.

Items recovered from him included 19 wristwatches, a large mat, a transistor radio and two cartons of agro-allied chemicals.

The military said the suspect and all recovered items had been handed over to the Headquarters of the 25 Brigade for further investigation and necessary action.

Security sources noted that disrupting logistics and supply chains remains a critical component of ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North-East, as insurgent groups depend heavily on local suppliers for food, medicines, communication gadgets and other materials required to sustain their activities.

They added that the arrest of suspected logistics suppliers could provide useful intelligence capable of exposing broader support networks and facilitating future operations against terrorist cells operating in the region.

Operation Hadin Kai has intensified intelligence-driven operations across the North-East in recent months as part of efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, while denying them access to supplies, funding channels and safe havens.