By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected logistics suppliers linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during separate intelligence-led operations in Yobe and Borno states.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, who said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and disrupt insurgent supply chains across the region.

According to the statement, troops of the 159 Battalion operating in Geidam, Yobe State, arrested two suspects following credible intelligence on activities suspected to be connected to terrorist logistics operations in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included substances suspected to be cannabis, mobile phones, power banks, knives, torchlights, cigarette rolls, pharmaceutical products, identification cards, bank cards, and cash. Military authorities believe some of the items were intended for delivery to insurgent groups operating within the region.

In a separate operation in Monguno, Borno State, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, in collaboration with personnel of the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, apprehended two additional suspects allegedly involved in the supply of food and other essential materials to ISWAP fighters.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were responsible for transporting food items and other logistics to insurgents operating in parts of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered exhibits from the operation included cartons and sachets of biscuits, milk, sugar, soap, garri, headlamps, lighters, mobile phones, herbal medicines, cash, and other materials suspected to have been destined for terrorist camps.

Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis of Konduga Local Government Area intercepted 20 individuals identified as relatives of suspected members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal Jihad (JAS), a faction associated with Boko Haram.

The group, comprising men, women, and children, reportedly fled a terrorist enclave following sustained military offensives against insurgent positions in the area. During preliminary questioning, the individuals stated that they left the settlement due to the increasing pressure mounted by troops against terrorist elements.

Military authorities said the group has been handed over to intelligence personnel for profiling, screening, and further assessment in line with established security procedures.

Captain Goni noted that all arrested suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, remain in military custody and are undergoing further investigation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks, denying insurgents freedom of movement, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East region.

The latest arrests underscore the military’s continued focus on targeting not only armed fighters but also the supply chains and support structures that enable terrorist groups to sustain their operations across the region.