Military detains four individuals accused of providing support to Boko Haram in Borno state

Four suspected collaborators of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province were apprehended by the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, in separate operations conducted in Yobe and Borno states, while 20 suspected family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists were intercepted as they fled intense military offensives.

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According to a statement issued by Capt. Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Tuesday, these developments underscore the Task Force's efforts to disrupt terrorist networks.

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Troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam, Yobe State, based on credible intelligence, and arrested two suspected terrorist collaborators, who allegedly supplied hard drugs and logistics to Boko Haram terrorists, facilitating their activities.

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A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, multiple mobile phones, power banks, scissors, knives, torchlights, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, identity cards, ATM cards, and ₦14,530 were recovered from the suspects, revealing the scope of their involvement.

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Meanwhile, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, in conjunction with the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Monguno, Borno State, at about 3:30 p.m. on the same day, following sustained surveillance of terrorist supply routes.

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During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to conveying food items and other supplies to ISWAP terrorists operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village, Kukawa Local Government Area, highlighting the network of support for the terrorists.

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Recovered items from the suspects included 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, ₦6,600, and other sundry items.

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Troops of the 222 Battalion also intercepted 20 suspected family members of JAS terrorists during a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, comprising nine women, two men, eight female minors, and one male minor, who fled their enclave due to intensified military operations.

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The group disclosed that they escaped from Gezuwa after a military offensive against their settlement and have since been handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further profiling and necessary action.

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The arrested suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation, marking a significant step in disrupting terrorist logistics and support networks.

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These successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI's intelligence-driven approach in dismantling support networks and denying insurgents access to critical supplies, according to the military.

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The military has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.