Counter-Terrorism Efforts Achieve Major Success in Northeast Nigeria
Linus Aleke of Abuja
Operation Hadin Kai, a unit of the Joint Task Force responsible for northeastern Nigeria, in collaboration with Operation Desert Sanity V, has successfully disrupted a significant terrorist network in the region, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-crime initiatives.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who leads Media and Information for Operation Hadin Kai, reported that the operational momentum has been instrumental in capturing terrorists and their associates, interrupting logistics supply chains, recovering weapons, and bolstering regional security.
Through a series of intelligence-driven operations in Borno and Yobe states, the military has made substantial progress against terrorist logistics networks. During an operation at Benishek market, they, in conjunction with local forest guards, apprehended Girema Aliko, a 40-year-old Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics operator. Aliko, who was already on a watch list, was arrested while transporting 30 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and subsequently confessed to supplying fuel and resources to militants.
In another operation, troops from the 7th Division Provost Group arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Mohammed Bulama, in Ngawom, within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Initial investigations suggest his connections to terrorist groups, and he is reportedly willing to provide information to support the military’s ongoing efforts.
Additionally, authorities apprehended Private Umar Bema, a fugitive from the 50th Task Force Battalion who had deserted his unit with his personal weapon. Investigations indicate his involvement in criminal activities, including robbery. His rifle and magazine were recovered, and he remains in custody as inquiries continue.
Operations in the Biu Local Government Area led to the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in kidnapping and other criminal activity. The suspects reportedly confessed to engaging in cattle herding and disclosed their affiliations with criminal organizations and terrorist factions.
Successes continued in Gubio, where troops disrupted a suspected logistics operation transporting food supplies for Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters. In Adamawa State, soldiers, in partnership with local hunters, arrested two suspected ISWAP members who admitted to participating in attacks and kidnappings across Borno and Adamawa. Furthermore, there have been significant developments in the surrender process, including the recent surrender of a fugitive Boko Haram/ISWAP member along with two children in the Kukawa area.
The theater command has highlighted that these operations have substantially weakened terrorist networks and logistics infrastructures. The military remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while promoting security, peace, and economic stability across northeastern Nigeria.
