Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have disrupted a suspected terrorist logistics network in Borno State, arresting five suspected suppliers and seizing a large consignment of medical, veterinary and other items believed to be linked to illicit supply operations.
The operation was carried out at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with Hybrid Forces during a routine security operation in Mafa Local Government Area.
Military authorities said the suspects were intercepted while transporting 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5 per cent dewormer and 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for animals without the required waybill or other supporting documents.
A detailed search of the vehicles uncovered additional concealed medical supplies, including 32 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium Injection, 58 cartons of Benzylpenicillin Sodium BP, six cartons of Dexamethasone Injection and 51 cartons of Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion.
Troops also recovered 30 units of 80-inch LG plasma televisions, 152 empty Bagco sacks and seven mobile phones during the operation.
According to preliminary investigations, the consignment was destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad, while part of the concealed medical supplies was to be transferred into another truck near the Nigeria-Chad border in what investigators suspect was an attempt to disguise the movement of the cargo and evade security checks.
The five suspects are currently in the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation.
Operation HADIN KAI described the interception as a major breakthrough in its sustained campaign to dismantle terrorist logistics and support networks across the North-East, noting that disrupting suspicious supply chains weakens the operational capability of terrorist groups by denying them access to critical resources.
The military also reiterated its commitment to identifying and dismantling all networks that directly or indirectly support terrorist activities in the region.
It advised pharmaceutical distributors, transporters, healthcare providers, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that bulk medical, pharmaceutical and agrochemical consignments are properly documented and, where necessary, coordinated with the appropriate military authorities before movement within the North-East theatre.
According to the military, the measure is aimed at facilitating legitimate commercial and humanitarian activities while preventing terrorist groups from exploiting supply chains.
Operation HADIN KAI further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to disrupting terrorist logistics networks and sustaining peace and security across the North-East.
