Odita Sunday 
Troops Arrest Six Suspected Terrorist Logistics Suppliers, Recover Starlink Device, 202 Cartons of Herbicides in Borno
By Odita Sunday
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network in Borno State, arresting six suspects and recovering a large cache of materials believed to be destined for terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the operation was carried out at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, following credible intelligence on suspected terrorist supply routes.
Goni said troops of Sector 1 OPHK mounted an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the route, leading to the arrest of the six suspects who were travelling in five vehicles conveying a large consignment of materials allegedly meant for terrorist elements.
Items recovered during the operation include 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected 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.
He explained that preliminary assessments indicated that the recovered items possess potential dual-use applications capable of supporting terrorist logistics, sustainment, mobility and communications.
According to him, the NPK fertiliser and suspected acid would undergo technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
”The seizure represents a significant disruption of suspected terrorist logistics networks and further degrades their ability to sustain operational activities,” Goni stated.
He disclosed that the suspects and all recovered exhibits had been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation to identify the intended recipients, uncover the wider logistics network and facilitate the arrest of other collaborators and sponsors.
The Acting Military Information Officer further revealed that preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and surrendered families of former terrorists showed that the sustained disruption of terrorist supply chains by Operation HADIN KAI had significantly weakened the operational capability of insurgent groups.
According to the debriefings, shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment and other essential logistics have forced many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and camps while fleeing sustained military offensives.
Goni reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and support networks across the North-East.
He said the military would sustain pressure on terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants and collaborators in order to deny them the resources, freedom of movement and operational capability needed to prosecute acts of terrorism.
He added that the continued degradation of terrorist logistics had become a key operational objective, contributing significantly to the increasing surrender of terrorists, the abandonment of their enclaves and the release of captives previously held in their camps.
The military urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious persons, movements and activities within their communities, noting that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of lasting peace in the North-East.
About the Author
