Troops arrest six suspected ISWAP collaborators over alleged cattle-trading terror financing in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators accused of financing terrorist activities through cattle trading in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested on July 27 by troops of the 5 Brigade during an intelligence-led operation in Damasak.
The suspects were identified as Danlitti Muhammadu, 50; Bala Alhassan, 54; Zanna Sarki, 50; Musa Isyaku, 40; Abdulkadir Garba, 25; and Mustapha Muhammed, 24.
According to the sources, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly generated funds for Boko Haram/ISWAP by procuring cattle and selling them at Gubio, Damasak and Ajuwango markets on designated market days. The proceeds were allegedly used to support the activities of the terrorist group.
During the operation, troops recovered a Volkswagen Golf II vehicle with registration number UMA 06 XA, its key, two Infinix mobile phones, one Samsung phone, one Itel phone, a quantity of cow meat, and N317,950 in cash.
The suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary investigation to establish the full extent of their alleged involvement and identify other members of the suspected terror financing network.
Military sources said the security situation in the area remains relatively calm but unpredictable, adding that troops have sustained offensive and intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics, financing networks and support structures across the North-East.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts under Operation Desert Sanity V to dismantle Boko Haram and ISWAP’s financial and logistical networks while denying the insurgents the resources needed to sustain their operations.
