Troops Bust Suspected Terrorist Supply Network, Arrest Six and Seize Starlink, Fertiliser, Other Materials in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network in Borno State, arresting six suspects and recovering a large cache of materials believed to have been destined for terrorist elements operating in the North-East.

The operation, carried out by troops of Sector 1 at about 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2026, followed credible intelligence on a suspected terrorist supply route. Acting on the intelligence, the troops mounted a covert stop-and-search operation that led to the interception of five vehicles conveying the suspects and the recovered items.

According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation disrupted what is believed to be a key logistics network supporting terrorist activities in the region.

Items recovered include 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, a Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes, and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.

The military said preliminary assessments indicate that the seized items have potential dual-use applications capable of supporting terrorist logistics, mobility, communications and sustainment. It added that the recovered NPK fertiliser and suspected acid would undergo forensic and technical analysis to determine whether they were intended for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Authorities described the seizure as a significant blow to the logistics capability of terrorist groups, noting that disrupting supply chains remains central to ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

The six suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation to identify the intended recipients, uncover the wider logistics network and facilitate the arrest of other collaborators and sponsors.

Operation HADIN KAI also disclosed that preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and surrendered families of former terrorists suggest that sustained military operations targeting logistics networks have severely weakened terrorist groups. According to the debriefings, persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment and other essential materials have forced many insurgents to abandon their camps, hostages and family members while fleeing sustained military pressure.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist logistics and support networks through intelligence-driven operations, stressing that it will continue to target financiers, suppliers, informants and collaborators to deny terrorist groups the resources needed to sustain their operations.

Operation HADIN KAI urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities, noting that public cooperation remains crucial to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the North-East.

Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Monday.