Troops Recover IED Materials, ISWAP Medical Supplies, Arrest 2 Suspected Collaborators in Borno Operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have recovered improvised explosive device (IED) materials and a large cache of medical supplies allegedly intended for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, while arresting two suspected collaborators in separate operations across Borno State.
The operations were conducted on Sunday, August 9, as part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics, movement and support networks in the North-East.
In the Kareto general area, troops of 5 Brigade, operating alongside hybrid forces, launched a clearance operation following credible intelligence that ISWAP fighters were hibernating in the area.
Sources said the troops mobilised at about 10 a.m. and encountered suspected terrorists, who reportedly fled in disarray upon sighting the advancing forces.
During the withdrawal, the terrorists abandoned a toolbox believed to have been used for IED emplacement and two IED canisters.
The troops subsequently conducted an extensive search of the area and recovered 10 sacks containing various medical supplies and drugs believed to have been destined for the terrorist group.
The recovered items included antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-malaria drugs, intravenous fluids, multivitamin tablets and a blood pressure monitoring apparatus.
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The recovery is considered significant as access to medical supplies can enable terrorist groups to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operations in remote locations.
Following the operation in Kareto, the troops extended their patrol to Wolkiti village, where they conducted further searches and security sweeps. No contact with terrorist elements was recorded in the area.
In a separate operation along the Mandaragirau-Sabon Gari Road, troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion arrested two suspected ISWAP collaborators during a stop-and-search operation.
The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Adamu Abdullahi and 18-year-old Buba Ibrahim, were arrested at about 10:30 a.m. at a military checkpoint along the route.
The troops also recovered N131,300 in cash from the suspects.
The two men reportedly claimed to be herders but were arrested over suspected links to terrorist elements and alleged involvement in cattle rustling activities.
They have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary legal action.
The operations form part of sustained efforts by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to disrupt terrorist logistics networks, identify collaborators and prevent the movement of personnel and supplies to insurgent groups.
Security sources said troops maintained a high level of morale and operational effectiveness during the operations.
The military is expected to sustain clearance operations, route security, intelligence-led patrols and surveillance across Borno State to prevent terrorist elements and their collaborators from regrouping or re-establishing logistical networks.
By PRNigeria
