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You may have heard about the relentless efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism in the North East region. But the recent arrests of four suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators in Yobe and Borno states have raised the stakes in the quest for peace and security.

According to a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN, the operation was carried out in Geidam Town, Yobe State, following credible intelligence. In the operation, two suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested with a large quantity of suspected Indian hemp, multiple mobile phones of different brands, power banks, scissors, knives, torchlights, lighters, cigarette rolls, Pregabalin capsules, Piscof syrup, National Identity Card, Permanent Voter’s Card, ATM cards, and the sum of ₦14,530 being recovered.

In a separate intelligence-led operation conducted in Monguno Town, Borno State, two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested. They confessed to conveying food items and other supplies to ISWAP terrorists operating in Kwatan Dowoshi Village, Kukawa Local Government Area. Troops recovered 11 cartons and 192 sachets of assorted biscuits, one carton of Peak milk, 10 mudu of sugar, nine bars of Viva soap, six headlamps, two bags and 16 rolls of sachet garri, three packs of lighters, two Tecno button phones, one assault knife, one charm belt, four prayer beads, six packs of herbal medicine, the sum of ₦6,600, and other sundry items.

The arrested suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation and exploitation. The operations serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics and deny insurgents access to critical supplies. They underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven approach.

“The arrested suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence units for further investigation and exploitation. “These successful operations underscore the effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI’s intelligence-driven approach in disrupting terrorist logistics, dismantling support networks, and denying insurgents access to critical supplies.”

But what does this mean for the people directly affected? The families of the arrested suspects will likely experience the consequences of their relatives' actions. The operation has dealt a significant blow to the morale of terrorist groups relying on external support.

The 20 family members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists intercepted by troops of 222 Battalion (Main) on routine patrol along the Gezuwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area are a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. The group comprised nine women, two men, eight female minors, and one male minor. Preliminary investigation revealed they had fled their enclave following intense military pressure.

These developments underscore the complexities of the North East conflict. As the military intensifies its operations, more terrorist groups may turn to local support networks for sustenance. The operations serve as a warning to those involved in such activities.

The military remains resolute in sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The military’s determination to protect Nigerians from terrorism is unwavering.