Troops bust terror supply Ring, arrest six in Borno

Operation Hadin Kai troops have dismantled a suspected terrorist supply network in the North East, arresting six men allegedly transporting materials believed to be destined for insurgents.

The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out on Saturday, 19 July 2026, at about 4 p.m. along a route believed to be used for terrorist logistics. They were travelling in five vehicles loaded with assorted items when troops intercepted them.

Announcing the operation on Monday, the acting Military Information Officer of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, described the development as another major setback for terrorist support networks operating in the region.

He said, “Troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), acting on credible intelligence, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network and arrested 6 suspects during a well coordinated covert operation aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains in the North East Theatre.

“The operation culminated in the arrest of 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers travelling in 5 vehicles while conveying a large consignment of materials destined for terrorist elements.”

According to him, the recovered items included 202 cartons of herbicides, a jerrycan containing a substance suspected to be acid, a Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.

Goni explained that investigators believe the seized materials could serve both civilian and military purposes.

He said, “Some of the recovered items, particularly the NPK fertilizers and suspected acid, will undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine their intended use, including any possible application in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).”

The military spokesman added that disrupting the movement of the materials would further weaken the ability of terrorist groups to sustain their operations.

He disclosed that the suspects and exhibits had been transferred to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation.

“The six suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for comprehensive investigation to establish the intended recipients, identify the wider logistics network, and facilitate the apprehension of other collaborators and sponsors,” he said.

Goni also revealed that information obtained from rescued hostages and families of surrendered terrorists suggests that the military’s sustained offensive against terrorist supply routes is taking a heavy toll on insurgent groups.

He stated, “According to the debriefings, 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 the military’s commitment to the campaign against insurgency, he said Operation Hadin Kai would continue to target not only terrorists but also those who finance, supply or support them.

“The Theatre will continue to target 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,” he added.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“Such cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of lasting peace and security in the North East,” he said.