Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered a large consignment of materials believed to be destined for terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI on July 19 along a suspected terrorist supply route in Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operation targeted a suspected logistics network supplying materials to terrorist elements.
The military said the six suspects were intercepted while travelling in five vehicles conveying items considered critical to sustaining terrorist activities.
Items recovered during the operation included 202 cartons of herbicides, a jerrycan containing a substance suspected to be acid, a Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
The statement noted that preliminary assessments indicated that the recovered materials possessed potential dual-use capabilities that could support terrorist logistics, communications, mobility and sustainment operations.
“Some of the recovered items, particularly the NPK fertilisers and suspected acid, will undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine their intended use, including any possible application in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” the military said.
The military described the seizure as a major setback for terrorist logistics networks, adding that it would further weaken their capacity to sustain operations.
The suspects and recovered items have since been handed over to military intelligence authorities for further investigation aimed at identifying the intended recipients, uncovering the wider logistics network and apprehending additional collaborators and sponsors.
Operation HADIN KAI said preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and surrendered terrorist family members indicated that ongoing military operations targeting supply chains had significantly degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.
According to the military, shortages of food, medical supplies, communication equipment and other logistics have forced many terrorists to abandon their camps, families and hostages while fleeing sustained military pressure.
“The continued degradation of terrorist logistics remains a key operational objective and has proven instrumental in compelling terrorists to abandon their enclaves, surrender in increasing numbers and relinquish captives held within their camps,” the statement said.
The military reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist support structures through intelligence-driven operations and urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
It stressed that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.
