Military Arrests Suspected Boko Haram Collaborators, Drone Supplier In North-East Nigeria

 Military Arrests Suspected Boko Haram Collaborators, Drone Supplier In North-East Nigeria

The Nigerian military has announced the arrest of several suspected Boko Haram collaborators, including an alleged drone supplier, following coordinated counter-terrorism operations across parts of Adamawa and Borno states in the North-East.

In a statement released on Friday, the military said troops operating under the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), carried out the operations in collaboration with local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The operations, according to the military, were aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains and weakening the operational capacity of insurgents in the region.

The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, explained that the intensified actions are part of sustained efforts to dismantle Boko Haram’s logistics networks and improve security for affected communities.

According to the military, troops of Sector 4 under the 28 Task Force Brigade arrested a 28-year-old suspect identified as Ismail Muhammed in the Visik General area of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. The suspect was described as a logistics supplier for terrorists operating in the area.

Items recovered during his arrest reportedly included an AK-47 magazine, rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military-style equipment, and assorted food items believed to be intended for insurgents. The military said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to uncover additional links within the terrorist network.

In a separate operation also conducted in Adamawa State, troops neutralised a suspected Boko Haram commander identified as Abdullahi Mafa. The operation took place during an ambush around the Visik River axis in Madagali Local Government Area.

The military stated that the suspect was killed during a firefight, and an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine was recovered from him. Officials said the operation dealt a significant blow to insurgent activities in the area, noting that the deceased was believed to have played a leadership role in coordinating attacks.

Further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of another suspect, 64-year-old Dauda Usman Gubula, who was accused of collaborating with terrorists by supplying drones used in attacks against security forces.

According to the military, Gubula was apprehended at Madagali Motor Park. He was alleged to be responsible for providing aerial drones to insurgents, which were later modified, armed locally, and deployed against troops during operations.

Items recovered from the suspect included two aerial drones, drone accessories, and 20 solar power banks. The military said the discovery highlights the evolving tactics of insurgents and their increasing reliance on technology to carry out attacks.

The statement added that troops are intensifying efforts to identify and dismantle all supply routes used by insurgents, including individuals who provide technological support and logistics.

Meanwhile, in Borno State, troops under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside local vigilantes and members of the CJTF, successfully repelled insurgent activity in Ngamdu.

The military reported that during the operation, a suspected terrorist informant was neutralised while attempting to breach defensive positions. Several logistics items were also recovered in the course of the engagement.

According to the military, the operations in Adamawa and Borno states form part of a broader strategy to degrade Boko Haram’s operational capacity, restore stability, and protect civilians across the North-East.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their commitment and sacrifices, urging them to maintain the momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.

“The ongoing operations underscore the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the North-East and ensure that communities can return to normal life,” the statement concluded.