Military Operation in North-East Nets Terrorist Collaborators, Weapons Cache

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded fresh gains in their ongoing counter-terrorism offensive across Nigeria’s North-East region, arresting several suspected terrorist collaborators, seizing weapons, and disrupting logistics supply networks in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

According to a statement from the Joint Task Force Headquarters in the North-East, the operations conducted alongside Operation Desert Sanity V targeted logistics cells and criminal elements aiding insurgent groups.

In Borno State, troops working with Forest Guards apprehended a 40-year-old suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko, at Benisheikh Market. He was allegedly caught trying to transport 30 litres of petrol, which investigators say was meant for terrorist use.

Another suspect, 25-year-old Mohammed Bulama, was arrested at Ngawom in Muna Garage, Maiduguri. Military sources say he acted as both a logistics supplier and an informant for terrorist groups and has since agreed to provide intelligence to security agencies.

Troops also picked up Private Umar Bema, a soldier who had deserted his unit with his service rifle. He was arrested in Maiduguri and linked to criminal activities, including robbery, during his absence. His weapon and magazines have been recovered.

In Biu Local Government Area, a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate was arrested. He reportedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes, and revealed that criminal gangs obtain weapons originally recovered from neutralised insurgents

Further operations along the Gubio axis led to the arrest of another suspected logistics supplier transporting large quantities of food items allegedly destined for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

In Adamawa State, troops and local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members, who reportedly admitted to participating in attacks and abductions in Borno and Adamawa.

The military also said a fleeing insurgent surrendered alongside two children in the Kukawa axis, citing sustained pressure from troops. Offensive operations in the Damboa area uncovered deserted terrorist enclaves, where rocket‑propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition were recovered.

As part of due process, 13 detainees have been handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Theatre Command stated that the cumultive impact of these actions has significantly weakened terrorist networks, disrupted their logistics, and reduced their ability to move freely. Troop morale remains high, and operations will continue to deny insurgents any safe haven while consolidating peace and security across the region.