The Operation HADIN KAI has intercepted and seized more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating across the North-East region.
Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing strangulation and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and communication networks within the sector’s area of responsibility.
According to him, the recovered Starlink terminals, linked to Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, were intercepted during sustained military operations across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other terrorist enclaves in the North-East.
Martins explained that the seizures formed part of broader efforts to cut off the logistics lifelines sustaining insurgent activities in the region.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he said.
The commander noted that the asymmetric nature of the insurgency had enabled terrorists to depend heavily on civilian supply chains and collaborators for the movement of food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets and motorcycle spare parts into remote hideouts.
He, however, lamented the level of collaboration between some civilians and terrorist groups, stating that while some individuals voluntarily support insurgents, others act under threats and intimidation.
“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” Martins stated.
He disclosed that troops had successfully infiltrated several transport and logistics networks used by insurgents through intelligence operations targeting transporters, traders and supply syndicates operating across the region.
According to him, troops have arrested hundreds of logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators linked to terrorist resupply operations.
“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related cases and networks supporting terrorist operations,” he added.
Martins further revealed that troops had intercepted consignments of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), drugs, medical supplies, food items and spare parts suspected to be destined for terrorist camps.
He said the seizures were recorded along major movement corridors stretching from Kano through Nguru and other routes leading into the Timbuktu Triangle, Sambisa Forest and adjoining enclaves.
The commander also disclosed that insurgents had been exploiting local livestock markets to dispose of rustled animals and generate operational funds.
To counter the development, he said security forces, local authorities and market stakeholders had introduced livestock verification measures requiring proper identification of ownership before animals could 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,” he said.
Martins stated that ongoing strangulation operations had significantly weakened terrorist logistics chains and reduced their operational flexibility across the sector.
He added that sustained military offensives and intelligence-driven operations had also led to the surrender of several terrorists and members of their families.
According to him, continuous pressure from troops has denied insurgents freedom of movement and disrupted their ability to sustain attacks on communities and security formations.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to intensifying offensive operations, intercepting terrorist supply routes and dismantling communication networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
