The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in conjunction with Operation DESERT SANITY V, has continued to sustain operational momentum across the Theatre, recording significant successes in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-criminal operations. These include the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators, disruption of logistics supply networks, recovery of arms and ammunition, and consolidation of overall security gains in the North East.
In a series of intelligence-led and surveillance operations across Borno and Yobe States, troops recorded multiple breakthroughs against terrorist logistics networks and criminal elements. At Benisheikh Market, troops of OPHK, in conjunction with the Forest Guards, arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko (40 years), who had been on the watchlist.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the suspect was intercepted while attempting to convey 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a vehicle. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements.
Similarly, troops of 7 Division Provost Group, under OPHK, while on surveillance duty within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama (25 years), at Ngawom, Muna Garage. Preliminary investigation confirmed his links with terrorist elements, and the suspect has indicated willingness to provide further intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
In a related development, troops also apprehended an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of 50 Task Force Battalion, who deserted his unit with his personal weapon. The suspect was arrested within Maiduguri, and preliminary findings revealed his involvement in criminal activities, including robbery, during the period of absence. His rifle and magazines have been recovered, while he remains in custody for further investigation and necessary military action.
Earlier operations also led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and criminal syndicate member in Biu Local Government Area. The suspect confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other criminal activities across several locations, while also revealing links between criminal networks and terrorist elements through the use of weapons recovered from neutralised insurgents.
Additionally, troops of OPHK arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier in Gubio axis while transporting large quantities of food items intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP elements, further disrupting supply chains sustaining terrorist activities.
In Adamawa State, troops of OPHK in conjunction with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa States. Troops also recorded progress in ongoing disarmament and surrender processes, as a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist surrendered with two children in Kukawa axis due to sustained military pressure.
