Troops apprehend 12 suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers, collaborators in Borno

Nigerian troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI have apprehended 12 individuals suspected of providing logistical support and collaborating with the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) terrorists. The arrests occurred during separate operations across Borno state, indicating a concerted effort to disrupt the group's supply chains.

In one operation, troops from the 135 Special Forces Battalion, aided by the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and vigilantes, detained 10 suspects in Kurnari. These individuals were reportedly intercepted while en route to Miringa Market with five cows, two tricycles, nine mobile phones, two waist bags, a knife, and ₦12,600. The suspects and the recovered items are now in military custody for further scrutiny.

Another suspect, believed to be a logistics supplier, was arrested by troops from the 149 Battalion in Zowo Village, Gubio Local Government Area. This individual was found with 125 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a mobile phone, and other items. The suspect allegedly confessed to supplying essential logistics to terrorists operating along the Binduldul-Kareto axis.

Furthermore, a suspected terrorist informant was apprehended by troops from the 19 Brigade and the CJTF in Monguno. Preliminary investigations suggest this individual provided intelligence on troop movements to terrorists operating around the Kekeno-Monguno axis. During patrols in Mallam Fatori, troops also recovered an abandoned 60mm mortar bomb and an RPG bomb, believed to have been left by fleeing terrorists. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel safely secured these unexploded ordnances.