The Nigerian Army has arrested two suspected logistics suppliers allegedly working to provide motorcycle parts and other items to Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in Borno State.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The operation took place on Tuesday, September 8, in the Gumsa area of Mobbar Local Government Area after security personnel received information concerning a suspected logistics consignment.
A military intelligence source said troops of 159 Battalion mobilised to the area and intercepted the consignment believed to be heading towards terrorist elements operating along the Yunusari-Mobbar axis.
The two suspects were identified as 50-year-old Mala Mustapha and 40-year-old Massa Aliyu, both said to be from Asaye village in Damasak.
Preliminary findings reportedly linked the men to the purchase of motorcycle spare parts allegedly intended for terrorist fighters believed to be hiding around the Yunusari and Mobbar areas.
The recovered items included dozens of motorcycle tyres and mechanical components. Among them were 50 tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables and 46 clutch cables.
Troops also recovered numerous other components, including bearings, brake rods, gaskets, brake shoes, piston kits, chains and sprockets, speedometers and clutch plates.
Additional items seized included piston rings, rocker arms, CDI units, coils, shock rubbers, rectifiers, fuel taps, fuel filters, hand pumps and ignition keys.
The military also found 145 pairs of footwear in the consignment, alongside three mobile phones and N3,200 in cash.
The arrests were disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama in a post on X.
Following the operation, the suspects and recovered materials were handed over to the 27 Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation and necessary action.
The latest arrests form part of continued efforts by the Nigerian military to weaken the supply chains supporting terrorist organisations in the North-East.
Troops are expected to maintain intelligence-based patrols and operations aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, logistics and support networks across the theatre.
