By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded fresh successes in ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East, arresting suspected terrorist collaborators, disrupting logistics networks, recovering weapons and ammunition, and forcing insurgents to surrender as military pressure intensifies across the region.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the achievements were recorded through intelligence-led operations conducted in conjunction with Operation Desert Sanity V across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
According to the statement, troops working alongside Forest Guards arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, Girema Aliko, at Benisheikh Market in Borno State. The suspect, who had reportedly been on a security watchlist, was intercepted while attempting to transport 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Preliminary investigations indicated that he supplied fuel and other logistics materials to terrorist elements operating in the area.
In a related operation, troops of the 7 Division Provost Group arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier and informant, Mohammed Bulama, in the Ngawom area of Muna Garage within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Military authorities said preliminary investigations established his links with terrorist groups, adding that he had volunteered useful information to support ongoing operations.
The military also arrested an absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema of the 50 Task Force Battalion, who allegedly deserted his unit with his personal weapon.
He was apprehended in Maiduguri, where investigations reportedly revealed his involvement in criminal activities, including robbery, during the period he was absent from duty. His rifle and magazines were recovered.
Earlier operations in Biu Local Government Area led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate.
The suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling and other criminal activities across several communities. Investigators also uncovered alleged links between criminal gangs and terrorist groups through weapons obtained from neutralised insurgents.
Along the Gubio axis, troops intercepted another suspected terrorist logistics supplier transporting large quantities of food items believed to be intended for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, further disrupting supply routes sustaining insurgent operations.
In Adamawa State, troops working in collaboration with local hunters arrested two suspected ISWAP members who reportedly confessed to participating in attacks and abductions in parts of Borno and Adamawa states.
The military also reported progress in its deradicalisation and surrender programme, with a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendering alongside two children in the Kukawa axis as a result of sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, troops conducting offensive operations around Damboa discovered several deserted terrorist enclaves. During the operation, soldiers recovered rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition, which security officials said would further degrade the combat capability of insurgent groups.
As part of ongoing stabilisation efforts, troops handed over 13 detainees to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution in line with due process.
Uba stated that the cumulative impact of the operations had significantly weakened terrorist networks, disrupted their logistics base and reduced their ability to operate freely across the North-East.
He added that troops remain highly motivated and committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at consolidating security gains, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
