In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deployed in the Lake Chad Region captured two key operatives from Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno State.
The spokesperson of the MNJTF, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, in a statement on Thursday, August 29, 2024, said the suspects specialized in supplying illicit drugs and materials for sewing uniforms and flags to the terrorist groups.
One of the apprehended terrorists' operatives, identified as Mr Yahaya Muhammad, was nabbed along the Kekeno-Cross Kauwa Road.
He was found in possession of a substantial quantity of hard drugs, including Metro, Doxycycline, Discloppxac, and 198 wraps of Indian hemp.
Other seized items included Kpomix, Coldtime, Nopami, Coughter, Nexcape sachets, Ostanac, and various other illicit substances. It was confirmed that Mr Muhammad is not a licensed pharmacist.
In a separate operation, another operative was arrested along the Gubio-Damasak Road. The suspect was driving a blue Toyota Pickup Vehicle with registration JAK 49 XA (YOBE) and was found with two sacks containing 19 bundles of clothing material.
These materials were suspected to be intended for making uniforms and flags for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
In yet another successful rescue operation, troops rescued three women and a baby, suspected to be family members of the terrorists.
The rescued individuals claimed they had escaped from terrorist enclaves in Jubillaram, located in the southern Lake Chad Island within Marte Local Government Area.
The women and the baby are currently undergoing medical assessment and profiling.
The operation marks a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Region, disrupting the supply chains that sustain these terrorist groups and rescuing innocent lives from their grasp.