Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two brothers suspected of supplying logistics to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a farm protection operation in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, in a fresh blow to the terrorist group’s supply network.
The suspects, identified as Audu Abdullahi, 25, and Shettima Abdullahi, 30, both natives of Kasabalari village in Damboa, were intercepted at about 10:30 a.m. in the Nzuda general area by troops of the 19 Battalion (Mechanised) and 25 Task Force Brigade Garrison.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the brothers were transporting supplies intended for ISWAP fighters operating in the Wajiroko axis when they were apprehended.
Items recovered from the suspects included two bicycles, a mobile phone with two SIM cards, an identity card, two bicycle tyres and tubes, six containers of Force Up pesticide, painkillers, a small solar panel, a rechargeable torchlight with battery, two locally made knives and other assorted items.
According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, the arrest formed part of ongoing farm protection operations and sustained efforts to dismantle logistics networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
“The security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm but unpredictable, while troops continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness and pressure on terrorist elements,” Makama said.
He added that the suspects and recovered items remain in military custody as investigations continue to identify other members of the logistics network.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI also repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on the Forward Operating Base in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.
The assault occurred at about 7:20 p.m., when dozens of terrorists riding motorcycles and supported by two gun trucks launched an attack on the military base, while additional fighters advanced on foot.
Troops of the 212 Battalion detected the advancing insurgents early and engaged them with overwhelming firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy losses.
Quoting military sources, Makama said the terrorists fled in disarray, with several bodies of slain fighters reportedly dragged away by their fleeing comrades.
A reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer of the 212 Battalion later arrived to reinforce the troops and secure the area.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter but were stabilised before being evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.
The military also recorded minor damage to one gun truck after it was struck by fragments from a rocket-propelled grenade.
Military sources said troops would conduct a battlefield exploitation operation at first light to assess the full extent of the terrorists’ casualties and recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.
The latest operations underscore the military’s sustained offensive against insurgent groups and efforts to disrupt both their logistics network and operational capabilities across the North-East.