Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operations in Nigeria’s North-East.
The Commander of Sector 2, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed the development while briefing defence correspondents in Damaturu on Tuesday.
According to the military commander, the Starlink terminals were recovered during ongoing intelligence-driven and strangulation operations targeting terrorist logistics and communication networks across the region.
The operations were carried out in key insurgent strongholds, including Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and several other terrorist enclaves within the North-East theatre.
Martins explained that the military is deliberately targeting supply chains sustaining insurgent activities, describing logistics and communication systems as the “lifeblood” of terrorism operations.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.
The commander noted that insurgents have increasingly relied on civilian supply routes and collaborators to move food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets, and motorcycle spare parts into remote hideouts.
He alleged that while some civilians willingly assist terrorist groups, others are forced into cooperation through intimidation and threats.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” Martins stated.
The military further revealed that intelligence operations have successfully infiltrated transport and logistics networks allegedly supporting terrorist movements across the region.
According to the commander, troops have arrested hundreds of suspected suppliers, couriers, and collaborators connected to terrorist logistics operations.
“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related cases and networks supporting terrorist operations,” he said.
The military also intercepted consignments of petrol, medical supplies, food items, drugs, and spare parts believed to be heading toward insurgent camps through routes connecting Kano, Nguru, Sambisa Forest, and the Timbuktu Triangle.
Martins disclosed that insurgents have also exploited local livestock markets to sell rustled animals and generate operational funds.
To tackle the problem, security agencies and local stakeholders have introduced verification systems requiring proof of ownership before livestock can be sold in affected markets.
“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” he added.
The military said sustained offensives and intelligence-led operations have weakened terrorist supply chains, restricted insurgents’ movement, and forced several fighters and their family members to surrender.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling terrorist communication systems, disrupting financing networks, and cutting off logistical support sustaining insurgency in the North-East.
