Troops of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested two suspected logistics suppliers allegedly linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists in Borno State.
The suspects were arrested in the Mobbar Local Government Area of the state during an intelligence-led operation conducted in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post on X on Tuesday.
According to a military intelligence source, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, September 8, following credible intelligence on the movement of logistics items suspected to be destined for terrorist elements operating along the Yunusari-Mobbar axis.
Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 159 Battalion, supported by CJTF operatives, reportedly launched a fighting patrol to the Gumsa area, where they intercepted the suspected consignment and arrested two civilians.
The suspects were identified as Mala Mustapha, 50, and Massa Aliyu, 40, both natives of Asaye village in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects had purchased motorcycle spare parts allegedly intended for terrorist elements believed to be operating between the Yunusari and Mobbar areas.
Items recovered
The operation resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of motorcycle components, including 50 motorcycle tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables and 46 clutch cables.
Other recovered items included 20 spindles, 10 packs of bearings, 20 brake rods, 75 gaskets, 20 motorcycle brake shoes, 80 piston kits, 146 chains and sprockets, 11 speedometers and 15 clutch plates.
Security forces also recovered piston rings, rocker arms, CDI units, shock rubbers, coils, Danpa rubbers, rectifiers, fuel taps, fuel filters, PAG valves, hand pumps and ignition keys, among other motorcycle spare parts.
Investigators also recovered 145 pairs of footwear, which are being examined as part of the suspected logistics consignment.
Two Tecno Android phones, one smaller Tecno handset and N3,200 cash were also recovered from the suspects.
The suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the 27 Military Intelligence Regiment (27 MIR) for further investigation and appropriate action.
The operation is part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt the supply and logistics networks supporting terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
Military sources said troops would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations targeting terrorist elements, their collaborators and other components of their support networks across the theatre.