Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered materials believed to support insurgent operations in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army, through Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed on Monday that the suspects were intercepted during an intelligence-led operation carried out on July 19 along a suspected terrorist supply route in the North East.
The operation, conducted around 4 p.m., led to the arrest of six suspects travelling in five vehicles loaded with a large consignment of items allegedly meant for terrorist groups.
Recovered items include 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, one Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
Military authorities said preliminary findings showed the items could serve dual purposes capable of supporting terrorist logistics, movement, communication and field operations.
The Army added that the NPK fertiliser and the suspected acid would undergo technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The statement said the six suspects and all recovered exhibits had been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation to identify the intended recipients, uncover the wider supply chain and track other collaborators and sponsors.
The Army said information obtained from rescued hostages and surrendered families of former terrorists pointed to the impact of sustained operations against insurgent supply routes.
It stated, “Preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and surrendered terrorist families indicate that the sustained disruption of terrorist logistics and supply chains by Operation HADIN KAI has significantly degraded the operational capability of terrorist groups.”
The statement added, “Persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other essential logistics have compelled many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and enclaves while fleeing sustained military pressure.”
Reaffirming its campaign against insurgents, the Army said, “Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in dismantling terrorist logistics and support networks through sustained intelligence-driven operations.”
It added that security forces would continue to pursue “terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants, and collaborators to deny them the resources, freedom of movement, and operational capability required to sustain their campaign of terrorism.”
The Army also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious persons, movements and activities to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the North East.