Troops Arrest 2 Suspected Boko Haram Suppliers in Borno

(Nigerian Soldiers. Photo Credit: Daily Post)

Soldiers from the Nigerian Army working under Operation Hadin Kai together with the Civilian Joint Task Force have arrested two suspected suppliers who provide supplies to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province t3rrorists in Borno State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama announced the development.

The two suspects, Mala Mustapha, 50, and Massa Aliyu, 40, both from Asaye village in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, were arrested on Tuesday following intelligence about supplies being moved to t3rrorist groups.

Troops from 159 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a patrol in the Gumsa area where they stopped the suspected supply shipment and made the arrests.

Preliminary investigation showed the suspects allegedly bought motorcycle spare parts for t3rrorist fighters believed to be hiding between Yunusari and Mobbar.

The operation recovered a large quantity of motorcycle components including 50 tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables and 46 clutch cables.

Also found were 20 spindles, 10 packs of bearings, 20 brake rods, 75 gaskets, 20 motorcycle brake shoes, 80 piston kits, 146 chains and sprockets, 11 speedometers and 15 clutch plates.

Other motorcycle parts recovered included piston rings, rocker arms, engine coils, fuel taps, fuel filters and hand pumps.

The troops also recovered 145 pairs of shoes, which investigators are examining as part of the suspected supply items.

Two mobile phones and 3,200 naira in cash were also seized from Mala Mustapha and Massa Aliyu.

The suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the 27 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by soldiers to break up t3rrorist supply networks in the North-East region.