…Forces smash logistics cells, fuel supply routes linked to Boko Haram, ISWAP
By Abu Adamu
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to coordinate attacks and logistics operations across the North-East, in what military authorities described as a major blow to insurgents’ communication network.
Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, disclosed the development while briefing defence correspondents on intensified intelligence-led offensives targeting terrorist supply chains and operational infrastructure within the theatre.
Martins said the Starlink terminals, linked to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, were seized during sustained military operations across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other insurgent strongholds.
According to him, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to cripple the logistics backbone sustaining terrorist activities in the region.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them the freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.
The commander revealed that terrorists had heavily relied on civilian supply networks and collaborators to move food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets and motorcycle spare parts into remote hideouts scattered across the North-East.
He said intelligence operations had enabled troops to infiltrate several transport and supply syndicates used by insurgents, leading to the arrest of hundreds of logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related cases and networks supporting terrorist operations,” Martins disclosed.
He added that troops intercepted consignments of Premium Motor Spirit, drugs, medical supplies, food items, and spare parts allegedly destined for terrorist camps along major movement corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru into Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.
Martins also alleged widespread collusion between some civilians and terrorist groups, saying while some collaborators acted willingly, others operated under threats and coercion.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civilian populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he stated.
The commander further disclosed that insurgents had been exploiting livestock markets to dispose of rustled animals and raise operational funds.
To curb the practice, he said security agencies, local authorities, and market stakeholders had introduced livestock verification measures requiring proof of ownership before animals could be traded.
“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” he explained.
Martins maintained that ongoing strangulation operations had significantly weakened terrorist logistics chains, restricted insurgents’ movement, and forced several fighters and their families to surrender to troops.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to intensifying offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist communication systems, intercepting supply routes, and sustaining pressure on insurgent enclaves across the North-East.