Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have apprehended two individuals suspected of being informants and logistics suppliers for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in separate operations in Borno State. The arrests were carried out by troops under Operation Desert Sanity as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and disrupt insurgent activities across the North-East region.
First Arrest in Damboa Town
According to a special operational report from the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, the first suspect, 23-year-old Adams Shittima, was arrested in Damboa town on June 9, 2026. The arrest was conducted by combined troops of the 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison, along with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama. Military sources indicated that the suspect was apprehended while allegedly purchasing farm inputs and mosquito nets intended for terrorist elements operating within Damboa Local Government Area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly served as both a logistics supplier and an informant for insurgent groups. The report stated, "During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to supplying logistics and providing information to terrorist elements operating within the area." The military confirmed that the suspect is currently undergoing further investigation at the Headquarters of the 25 Brigade to determine the full extent of his involvement and to identify other members of the network.
Second Arrest by Amphibious Battalion
In a related development, troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion arrested another suspected Boko Haram informant later the same day during an operation in the battalion's area of responsibility. The suspect was apprehended at a location within the operational area and subsequently taken into custody for interrogation. Military authorities said the suspect is being held at the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment, where investigations are ongoing.
Importance of Targeting Support Networks
Security experts have consistently warned that informants and logistics suppliers constitute a critical component of insurgent operations. These individuals often provide intelligence on troop movements, facilitate the movement of supplies, and help terrorists evade security operations. Analysts note that while frontline fighters often attract public attention, support networks made up of informants, couriers, and logistics suppliers are essential to the survival and operational effectiveness of terrorist groups. According to them, sustained operations targeting these networks can significantly weaken insurgent capabilities by disrupting communication channels, restricting access to supplies, and limiting their ability to gather intelligence.
The latest arrests come amid intensified intelligence-led operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai aimed at identifying and dismantling terrorist support structures across the North-East theatre. The military continues to urge the public to provide information that can help in the fight against insurgency.
