Army Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier with Assorted Drugs in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) while attempting to transport a large consignment of pharmaceutical drugs towards Damboa in Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was intercepted at about 11:00 a.m. on July 10 during routine security screening by intelligence personnel of the 18 Battalion deployed at the Molai Main Entrance Gate on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

The sources identified the suspect as Mohammed Goni, 31, who was travelling in a vehicle heading towards Damboa when troops subjected the vehicle to a routine search.

According to the sources, the search led to the discovery of a large quantity of assorted pharmaceutical drugs in the suspect’s possession. He was unable to produce any valid clearance or documentation authorising the movement of the medical supplies to the conflict-prone area.

“The circumstances surrounding the movement of the drugs raised suspicion, prompting the troops to immediately detain the suspect for further interrogation,” one of the sources said.

Military sources disclosed that the suspect has since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Brigade for detailed investigation to determine the source of the drugs, their intended destination and any possible links to ISWAP’s logistics network operating within the North-East.

Security sources noted that terrorist groups have increasingly relied on clandestine supply chains to procure pharmaceuticals and other essential materials used to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operations in remote camps.

The arrest, they added, forms part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting critical supplies before they reach insurgent enclaves.

Investigations are ongoing.