Troops arrest three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered food items, household goods, bicycles and mobile phones during separate operations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The suspects were arrested on Sept. 11 by troops of 73 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), during operations around Koppa and its environs.
The first two suspects, Umar Alhaji Bako, 30, and Lawan Bukar, 21, were arrested opposite Koppa village while allegedly transporting food and household items from Maiduguri to Alajiri village in Mafa Local Government Area for delivery to terrorists.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that terrorists had been sending them money to purchase the items and subsequently collecting them at their farms in Alajiri.
They further disclosed that failure to deliver the requested supplies attracted severe punishment and that the operation marked their third attempt to supply the terrorists.
Items recovered from the suspects included assorted sweets, detergents, spaghetti, mosquito coils, groundnut and palm oil, salt, corn flour, slippers, clothing materials, earrings, caps, Vaseline, a mat, two MP3 music boxes, two Tecno keypad phones, two bicycles and ₦1,700.
In a separate operation at about 8:30 p.m. the same day, troops arrested another suspected logistics supplier, Mal. Abdullahi Abubakar, 62, at Koppa village.
Abubakar reportedly confessed that he had been sent money by terrorists to purchase logistics items for them in Sojiri and was promised ₦10,000 as a reward if he successfully returned with the supplies.
He also alleged that several farmers in the area carry out similar errands for terrorists, either willingly or under coercion.
Items recovered from him included 240 sachets of milk, five litres of groundnut oil, six pieces of kola nut, a matchbox, a hijab, a bicycle and ₦35,500.
The three suspects and recovered items remain in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
The arrests expose the difficult but critical battle to cut off the supply lines sustaining terrorist groups in the North-East. While some civilians may be acting under threats, those knowingly facilitating the movement of food and other materials to terrorists risk strengthening the very groups responsible for insecurity in their communities.
Security agencies are expected to establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement, distinguish coercion from willing collaboration and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences.
The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops maintain satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
