Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have intensified the crackdown on terrorist support networks, arresting four suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP collaborators in coordinated intelligence driven operations across Yobe and Borno states.
The operations, conducted on August 3, marked another breakthrough in the military’s sustained campaign to dismantle insurgent logistics chains and disrupt the flow of supplies sustaining terrorist activities in the North East.
In Geidam Town, Yobe State, troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 carried out a cordon and search operation based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistical materials to Boko Haram fighters, providing critical support for their operations in the region.
Items recovered during the operation included a large quantity of suspected cannabis, several mobile phones of different brands, power banks, torchlights, knives, scissors, cigarette rolls, lighters, Pregabalin capsules, cough syrup, identity documents, ATM cards and cash amounting to ₦14,530.
In another intelligence led operation, troops of Sector 3 Garrison working alongside the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Monguno, Borno State, following sustained surveillance of known terrorist supply routes.
The suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation that they transported food items and other essential supplies to ISWAP fighters operating around Kwatan Dowoshi Village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
Recovered exhibits included cartons and sachets of assorted biscuits, Peak milk, sugar, sachet garri, soap, headlamps, lighters, herbal medicine, mobile phones, an assault knife, a charm belt, prayer beads and ₦6,600, among other items believed to support insurgent activities.
In a related operation, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area after they reportedly fled their enclave under sustained military offensive.
The group comprised nine women, two adult men, eight female minors and one male minor. Initial profiling indicated they escaped from the Gezuwa area following intensified military operations against terrorist strongholds.
Military authorities disclosed that all arrested suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for detailed investigation, profiling and further operational exploitation.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest successes demonstrate the effectiveness of its intelligence driven counter terrorism strategy aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics networks, denying insurgents access to critical supplies and sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP. The military also appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing operations and accelerate the restoration of lasting peace across the North East.