Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier in Borno, Recover Operational Materials
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a coordinated operation in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Sources said that the suspect was apprehended on June 7 by combined troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The sources identified the suspect as Malam Bako Ibrahim and said he was arrested along the Sierra 4 axis in Damboa following intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist support networks in the area.
Military sources disclosed that preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect had been supplying logistics and other operational materials to terrorists operating within Damboa Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the suspect included 86 mosquito nets, a bicycle, a transistor radio, a mobile phone, two calculators, a tyre pump, 14 roofing sheet laths and 24 wall sheet laths.
Also recovered were six poly bags, 37 nylon bags and the sum of N9,200 in cash.
The military said the recovered materials were believed to be intended for use by terrorist elements operating in the area.
The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation at the Headquarters of the 25 Brigade to ascertain the extent of his involvement in supporting terrorist activities and to identify other members of the logistics network.
The sources stressed that logistics suppliers play a critical role in sustaining insurgent operations by providing materials, communication devices and other necessities required for survival in remote hideouts.
The sources note that targeting such support networks remains a key component of ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-East, as it helps degrade the operational capability of terrorist groups.
Operation Hadin Kai has sustained offensive and intelligence-driven operations across Borno and other parts of the North-East in a bid to dismantle terrorist cells, disrupt supply routes and deny insurgents freedom of movement.
