Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 32-year-old man, Modu Rayami, suspected of supplying fuel and food to Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The arrest occurred at about 2:30 pm on July 27 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and the Civilian Joint Task Force.

Security sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence linking the suspect to the supply of logistics to terrorists operating along the Binduldul–Kareto axis.

Rayami was arrested at Zowo village with several items believed to be intended for the insurgents.

According to the sources, “the suspect was arrested at Zowo village while in possession of supplies believed to be destined for insurgents. Recovered items included five jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit, two jerry cans of palm oil, one bag each of salt, pepper and garri, six bags of flour, seven bags of sugar, one sack of soft drinks, and a mobile phone.”

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted that he had been supplying fuel and food items to Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters operating in the Binduldul–Kareto corridor.

The military said the suspect and the recovered items were in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Military sources also said the operation ended peacefully, with troops returning safely to their base at about 3:20 pm.

According to the sources, the arrest is part of ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting terrorist supply networks and cutting off access to fuel, food and other essential items.

Three suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Damasak, Borno State, saying sustained military offensives forced them to abandon the insurgent group.

The development was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the suspects surrendered to troops of Headquarters 5 Brigade at about 4:50 p.m. on July 28 during ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Damasak.

Makama identified the surrendered suspects as Abba Musa Dogo, 24; Abubakar Bargaji, 28; and Ibrahim Abubakar, 16.

The report stated that preliminary interrogation revealed the trio fled terrorist camps at Sabon Gari and Tunbun Mota, allegedly controlled by ISWAP commanders Abu Fatima and Abu Ayuba.

According to the report, the suspects told troops they abandoned the camps after continuous aerial and ground bombardments by the Nigerian military made survival increasingly difficult.

“They attributed their decision to surrender to fatigue and the sustained aerial and ground bombardment of their enclaves by Nigerian troops, which they said had made survival increasingly difficult,” the report stated.

Makama further reported that the suspects disclosed they were trained as gunboat operators and anti-aircraft gunners for operations around the Lake Chad region.

The report added that they claimed weapons were issued to them only before specific operations and retrieved immediately afterward by their commanders, indicating what they described as a tightly controlled weapons management system within the terrorist group.

According to the report, the three suspects are currently in military custody undergoing profiling and investigation after expressing readiness to renounce insurgency and embrace peace.

The combined team of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and operatives of the Nigerian Army has raided a four-bedroom bungalow used as a cannabis warehouse in the state.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin City.

Ofoyeju said the warehouse, situated in a residential area, is located in the Illushi community, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

He said Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30, were arrested in connection with the raid.

He said the two suspects were apprehended with 60 kilograms and over 13 kilograms of cannabis, respectively.

The Edo State NDLEA also said the seizure included 52 giant bags, three gallons of cannabis seeds and a bag of cannabis seeds.

He explained that 1,273kg of cannabis and 86kg of cannabis seeds, totalling 1,359kg, were recovered from the warehouse.

According to him, during the raid on the four-bedroom bungalow, which was being used as a warehouse for storing large quantities of the illegal substance, skunk cannabis weighing 1,273kg and 86kg of cannabis seeds were seized and evacuated.

“In addition, cannabis seeds weighing 86kg were also found in the warehouse.

“Two suspected drug traffickers were apprehended. They are Ojore Onweze, a 45-year-old male caught in connection with 60kg of cannabis, and 30-year-old George Agwumede, nabbed with over 13kg of cannabis,” he stated.

Ofoyeju, however, expressed concern over the use of residential houses for warehousing narcotic drugs.

While describing the use of residential houses for stockpiling illicit drugs as dangerous and a trend that must be vehemently confronted by citizens, he opined that the enemies of the state must not be allowed to destroy our communities.

“We are pleased with the operational successes recorded because the quantity is massive and impressive. This raid is a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle the networks that seek to undermine our collective peace and safety.

“NDLEA’s recent successes reflect a broader initiative to involve stakeholders, including community leaders, in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. Children and other vulnerable groups must be protected.

“This fight is not just for the NDLEA; it is a collective responsibility. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Army for the synergy and urge every citizen to take part in this campaign against drug abuse,” he added.

He said the investigation into the drug operation is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to uncover connections and potential accomplices.

He assured that the command is resolute in its efforts to rid Edo State of the drug menace, adding that it would not relent until those responsible for trafficking and distributing illegal substances are brought to justice.