June 04, (THEWILL) — The Joint Task Force (North East) of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in partnership with Operation DESERT SANITY V, has intensified its counter-terrorism campaign across the North East, achieving major successes that have significantly disrupted the operational capacity of Boko Haram and ISWAP networks.
A statement signed on Thursday by Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, detailed how sustained intelligence-led operations have resulted in the arrest of terrorist collaborators, seizure of critical supplies, and recovery of weapons and ammunition across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
At Benisheikh Market, OPHK troops, working alongside Forest Guards, intercepted Girema Aliko (40), a suspected terrorist logistics supplier, attempting to transport 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Preliminary interrogation revealed that Aliko had been supplying fuel and other essential logistics to terrorist elements.
Similarly, the 7 Division Provost Group arrested Mohammed Bulama (25) at Ngawom, Muna Garage in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. Bulama, a known informant and logistics supplier for terrorist groups, has agreed to provide further intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
In a related development, Private Umar Bema, a soldier of the 50 Task Force Battalion who had absconded with his personal weapon, was apprehended in Maiduguri.
Investigations revealed his involvement in criminal activities, including robbery. His rifle and magazines were recovered, and he remains in custody for further military action.
Earlier operations also led to the capture of a suspected kidnapper and member of a criminal syndicate in Biu Local Government Area, who confessed to involvement in kidnapping, cattle rustling, and other crimes.
Investigations revealed connections between criminal networks and terrorist elements, highlighting how weapons recovered from neutralised insurgents were being redistributed to criminal groups.
Further disruption of terrorist supply chains occurred in the Gubio axis, where another suspect transporting large quantities of food items for Boko Haram/ISWAP was arrested.
In Adamawa State, OPHK troops, in collaboration with local hunters, arrested two suspected ISWAP members implicated in attacks and abductions across Borno and Adamawa.
Sustained military pressure also led to the surrender of a fleeing Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist in the Kukawa axis, who brought along two children, underscoring the human dimension of ongoing operations.
Offensive operations in the Damboa axis uncovered deserted terrorist enclaves, with recovered weapons including rocket-propelled grenade bombs and PKT ammunition, further weakening insurgent combat capability. In line with due process, 13 detainees were handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba emphasized that these operations have severely disrupted terrorist networks, weakened their logistics bases, and reduced their freedom of action.
He reassured the public that OPHK remains committed to protecting lives and property, consolidating operational gains, and restoring lasting peace, security, and economic stability across the North East.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
