Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested four suspected collaborators linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during separate operations in Yobe and Borno states, while also intercepting 20 suspected relatives of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) fighters fleeing areas targeted by military offensives.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, in a statement outlining recent intelligence-led operations across the region.
According to the statement, troops of the 159 Battalion under Sector 2 carried out a cordon-and-search operation in Geidam, Yobe State, based on credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of two suspected terrorist collaborators.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly supplied hard drugs and other logistics to Boko Haram terrorists, thereby facilitating insurgent activities,” the statement read.
Items recovered from the suspects included a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, several mobile phones, power banks, scissors, knives, torchlights, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, identity cards, ATM cards and ₦14,530.
In a separate operation around 3:30 p.m. the same day, troops of Sector 3 Garrison, working alongside the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, apprehended two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers in Monguno, Borno State, after sustained surveillance of routes believed to be used to supply terrorists.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to conveying food items and other supplies to ISWAP terrorists operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village, Kukawa Local Government Area,” Goni said.
The military recovered 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, ₦6,600 and other miscellaneous items.
Meanwhile, troops of the 222 Battalion intercepted 20 suspected family members of JAS terrorists during a routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
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The group consisted of nine women, two men, eight female minors and one male minor, who were said to have fled their enclave following intensified military operations in the area.
“During preliminary investigation, they disclosed that they escaped from Gezuwa after a military offensive against their settlement. The individuals have since been handed over to the 21 Military Intelligence Regiment for further profiling and necessary action,” the statement added.
The military said all arrested suspects and recovered exhibits had been transferred to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation.
It added, “These successful operations underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven approach in disrupting terrorist logistics, dismantling support networks, and denying insurgents access to critical supplies.”
Operation HADIN KAI also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain military pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-East.
