Troops arrest man supplying drone to terrorists

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East ) Operation HADIN KAI, said its troops, in conjunction with local vigilantes and hunters, have arrested a suspect who specialises in  supplying drones to Boko Haram terrorists and other criminal groups.

Media Information Officer in charge of the operations, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, who made this known, said the suspect, Ismail Muhammed, was arrested by troops of Sector 4 under 28 Task Force Brigade in the Visik General area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Uba, who said troops have continued to disrupt Boko Haram operations across Adamawa and Borno States, listed items recovered from the suspect to include one AK-47 magazine, rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military accoutrements and assorted foodstuffs. He said the suspect was already in custody undergoing further investigation.

Lt-Col Uba, in a statement on the update of military operations in the area, said “In a separate operation in Madagali Local Government Area, troops of Sector 4 neutralised a terrorist commander, Abdullahi Mafa during an ambush operations around the Visik River line, with an AK 47 rifle as well as loaded magazine recovered from the neutralised terrorist. Troops acting on further intelligence arrested 64-year-old Dauda Usman Gubula, a terrorist collaborator and drone supplier responsible for supplying drones to the terrorists, which are subsequently locally armed and used by the terrorists against troops. He was arrested at Madagali Motor Park.

“Recovered items included two aerial drones, drone accessories and 20 solar power banks. Troops continue to intensify efforts to dismantle the insurgent supply networks.

“Elsewhere in Sector 2, troops of  Operation HADIN KAI , working with local vigilantes and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), repelled insurgent activity in Ngamdu, Borno State, and neutralised a terrorist informant attempting to breach defensive positions. Logistic items were recovered during these operations. Officials reaffirmed that ongoing missions are part of sustained efforts to disrupt Boko Haram supply lines, restore security, and protect communities across the North-East region. The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.