Troops of Sector 2 under Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted and recovered more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across Nigeria’s North-East.
The Sector Commander, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing intelligence-led “strangulation operations” targeting terrorist logistics and communication systems.
According to Martins, the devices linked to Starlink were recovered during military operations in Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other insurgent hideouts across the theatre of operations.
He said the recoveries are part of broader efforts to cut off terrorists from operational support systems, including communication equipment, logistics supplies and fuel networks.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom of movement for supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational materials across the theatre,” Martins said.
The commander explained that insurgent groups depend heavily on civilian-linked supply chains and collaborators to transport food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets and spare parts into remote camps.
He added that while some collaborators willingly assist the terrorists, others are forced into cooperation through threats and intimidation.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some act willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” he stated.
Martins further revealed that troops had successfully infiltrated several logistics networks used by insurgents through sustained intelligence operations targeting transporters, traders and supply syndicates operating across the region.
He disclosed that hundreds of suspected suppliers, couriers and collaborators had been arrested as part of efforts to dismantle terrorist support structures.
“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related networks supporting terrorist operations,” he added.
The military also intercepted consignments of Premium Motor Spirit, drugs, medical supplies, food items and spare parts suspected to be heading to terrorist camps.
According to Martins, the items were intercepted along supply corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru into the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest and adjoining areas.
He also said insurgents had been exploiting livestock markets to sell rustled animals and generate funds for their operations.
To counter this, security agencies and local authorities have introduced stricter verification procedures requiring proof of ownership before livestock can be sold.
“If animals are not properly identified, they will not be sold. Through that arrangement, we are tracking and disrupting their sources of financing,” Martins said.
He maintained that the ongoing strangulation operations had significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks and reduced their operational flexibility across the North-East theatre.
