The Nigerian Army has intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by terrorist groups operating in the North East, as part of intensified operations targeting their supply and communication networks.
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing journalists on ongoing intelligence driven efforts aimed at weakening terrorist activities within the sector.
He said, “It will interest you to know that a lot of arrests are being made daily. For example, the terrorists use the Starlink satellite network, and I think so far, within this sector, we have arrested over 400 pieces of the Starlink network, and that has helped to deny them the ability to get a connection easily.”
Martins explained that the military has also worked closely with transport operators across the region to disrupt the movement of supplies to insurgents.
“We have succeeded in infiltrating the transport networks of various transport associations doing business in the area. Through this means, we are able to track them.
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“Through this, so many logistics items and equipment have been intercepted along routes from Kano through Nguru to Bukarti, down to Geidam, and into some parts of the Gulabi Forest, as well as those operating in the Timbuktu Triangle. These are being intercepted even within our local markets here in Damaturu,” he added.
He further revealed that the Army has increased monitoring of cattle markets, which are often exploited by insurgents.
“The various cattle markets also serve as points where rustled animals are sold through proxies by these terrorists,” he said.
According to the commander, the seizures form part of a broader strategy to cut off the operational lifelines of terrorist groups.
“The lifeline of terrorist activities is basically the logistics they are able to access across the area, which we are currently working to deny them,” he stated.