Troops arrest 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, recover starlink in Borno

By Faheem Lawal

Troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered a large cache of materials, including a Starlink satellite internet communication system, during an intelligence-led operation along a suspected terrorist supply route in Borno State.

The acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operation was carried out at about 4 p.m. on July 19, 2026, when troops mounted a stop-and-search point along a route believed to be used for supplying terrorist groups.

According to him, six suspects travelling in five vehicles conveying logistics materials intended for terrorist elements were intercepted and arrested.

Recovered items included 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, one 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 assessment indicated that the recovered items possess dual-use capabilities that could support terrorist logistics, mobility, communications and sustainment.

It added that the NPK fertilisers and suspected acid would undergo technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The six suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation aimed at identifying the intended recipients, dismantling the wider logistics network and apprehending other collaborators and sponsors.

Operation HADIN KAI further revealed that preliminary debriefings of rescued hostages and surrendered family members of terrorists showed that sustained military operations disrupting terrorist supply chains had significantly weakened the operational capacity of the insurgents.

According to the military, shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment and other essential logistics have forced many terrorists to abandon their camps, hostages and family members while fleeing sustained military pressure.

The operation reaffirmed its determination to continue targeting terrorist logistics networks, financiers, informants and collaborators through intelligence-driven operations designed to deny insurgents the resources and freedom of movement needed to sustain their activities.