Boko Haram logistics arrest sees troops detain 18 suspects in Borno, exposing civilian support networks aiding insurgents in North-East Nigeria

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested 18 individuals allegedly involved in supplying logistics to Boko Haram insurgents in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

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The suspects were intercepted while moving through the Gubio axis towards Gudumbali, in what authorities described as an attempt to deliver supplies to terrorist elements operating in the region.

The development forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in North-East Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian Army, the arrests expose a troubling pattern of civilian involvement in networks that sustain insurgent activities.

Preliminary findings indicated that many of the suspects were drawn into the operation due to economic hardship.

“Initial confessions suggest that the individuals were drawn into the illicit trade largely due to personal economic challenges, reflecting how criminal groups continue to exploit vulnerable persons for their operations,” the statement said.

The army issued a stern warning to citizens against collaborating with terrorist groups, stressing that providing logistics, intelligence or any form of support constitutes a serious offence with grave consequences for national security.

It also emphasised that the success of military operations depends significantly on community cooperation, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

Beyond enforcement, the military highlighted the importance of sustained socio-economic interventions to reduce vulnerability in conflict-affected communities.

It noted that improved access to livelihoods, skills development and basic services would help deter individuals from engaging with criminal networks.

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The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and dismantling support structures that enable insurgency, describing the latest operation as a decisive step in weakening terrorist logistics chains in the region.