By Ayo Kehinde
Troops of the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected drone supplier to Boko Haram and neutralized a terrorist commander during coordinated military operations across Adamawa and Borno states.
The operations, conducted with the support of local vigilantes and hunters, led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Ismail Muhammed, in the Visik general area of Hong Local Government Area in Adamawa State. The arrest was carried out by troops of Sector 4 under the 28 Task Force Brigade.
In an update regarding ongoing military operations, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect specializes in supplying drones and other logistics to Boko Haram terrorists and allied criminal groups.
Items recovered from the suspect included one AK-47 magazine, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, military accoutrements, and assorted foodstuffs. Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
In a related operation, troops of Sector 4 neutralized a terrorist commander, Abdullahi Mafa, during an ambush around the Visik River line in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. An AK-47 rifle and a loaded magazine were recovered from the scene.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops also arrested a 64-year-old terrorist collaborator, Dauda Usman Gubula, at the Madagali Motor Park. Officials stated that the suspect was responsible for supplying aerial drones to terrorists, which were locally modified and deployed against troops in the area.
Recovered items from Gubula included two aerial drones, assorted accessories, and 20 solar-powered banks.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba added that troops are intensifying efforts to dismantle insurgent supply and logistics networks across the theater of operations.
“Elsewhere in Sector 2, troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working with local vigilantes and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), repelled insurgent activities in Ngamdu, Borno State, and neutralised a terrorist informant who attempted to breach defensive positions,” he said, noting that various logistics items were also recovered during that operation.
According to the military spokesperson, the ongoing missions form part of sustained efforts to disrupt Boko Haram supply lines, restore security, and protect communities across the North-East region.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to maintain the operational tempo in the fight against terrorism.
