‘How Nigerian troops foiled massive supply of logistic items to terrorists’

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian troops fighting Boko Haram/I SWAP insurgency in the North East have recorded a major breakthrough with the interception of a huge cache of logistics supplies being transported to the terrorists in Yobe State.

The logistic supplies concealed in a trailer was intercepted by troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) on 16 September.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI said the troops acting on credible intelligence while conducting snap checks along the Nguru–Gashua road, intercepted the red 14-tyre trailer laden with suspicious consignments.

He said the vehicle was subsequently moved to a secured location and carefully offloaded.

He said the inspection of the vehicle revealed 700 bags of NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer which serves as materials for making IEDs, 27 cartons of assorted drugs, and nine cartons of normal saline solution, all cleverly concealed beneath bundles of fabric materials.

“The consignment was reportedly billed for onward movement to Niger Republic, suggesting cross-border terrorist supply networks.”

Uba added that the troops had earlier on the same day and in the same axis intercepted two Sharon vehicles and another trailer carrying large quantities of fabrics and solar panels.

“Intelligence indicated that terrorists were attempting to acquire fabrics for the production of uniforms for their fighters,” Uba said.

He added that all drivers, motor boys and the recovered items are currently in custody, pending further investigation and the arrest of identified consignees and consignors.

“The Theatre Command assures the public that troops remain vigilant and committed to cutting off all supply chains sustaining terrorists in the region.

“Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely information to security forces to aid ongoing operations. Military High Command has lauded troops for the impressive battle performance,” he concluded in the statement.