Troops of Sector 2 under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating in Nigeria’s North-east.
The commander of the sector, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents in Damaturu on Tuesday.
According to him, the internet communication equipment was recovered during ongoing intelligence-led and strangulation operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and communication networks across the region.
Martins said the Starlink terminals were intercepted during sustained military operations in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other terrorist hideouts in the North-east.
He explained that the seizures form part of broader military efforts to weaken the logistical systems supporting insurgent activities.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.
The commander noted that the insurgents had exploited the asymmetric nature of the conflict by relying heavily on civilian supply chains and collaborators to transport food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets, and motorcycle spare parts into remote camps.
He alleged that while some civilians willingly collaborate with the terrorists, others do so under threats and coercion.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” Mr Martins stated.
He added that troops had infiltrated several transport and logistics networks used by insurgents through intelligence operations targeting transporters, traders, and supply syndicates across the region.
According to him, hundreds of logistics suppliers, couriers, and collaborators connected to terrorist resupply operations have been arrested.
“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,” he said.
Mr Martins further disclosed that troops had intercepted consignments of petrol, drugs, medical supplies, food items, and motorcycle spare parts believed to be headed for terrorist camps.
He said the recoveries were made along key movement routes stretching from Kano through Nguru and into the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest, and adjoining enclaves.
The commander also revealed that insurgents had been using local livestock markets to sell rustled animals and generate operational funds.
To address the problem, he said security agencies, local authorities, and market stakeholders introduced livestock verification measures requiring proof of ownership before animals can be sold.
“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” he said.
Mr Martins stated that the ongoing military operations had significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks and limited their operational capabilities across the region.
He also disclosed that sustained offensives and intelligence-driven missions had resulted in the surrender of several terrorists and members of their families.
According to him, continuous military pressure has restricted insurgents’ freedom of movement and reduced their ability to launch attacks on communities and security formations.
Mr Martins reaffirmed the military’s commitment to intensifying operations aimed at intercepting terrorist supply routes and dismantling communication systems sustaining insurgency in the North-east.
(NAN)
