The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for allegedly smuggling military uniforms and equipment intended for terrorists in Borno State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja on recent military operations across Nigeria. He said the suspects, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were apprehended in Liya, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State while receiving a waybill from a truck driver. The arrest followed actionable intelligence received by security forces.
Kangye revealed that the intercepted consignment included 13 pairs of military uniforms and several high-voltage batteries, raising concerns about the role of transport workers in aiding terrorism.
In a related operation, troops arrested a 65-year-old man, Shaibu Bulama, believed to be a logistics supplier for terrorists. He was nabbed on July 13 at the Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State, where quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered. Troops also retrieved and safely detonated several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and recovered ₦17,150 in cash.
As military pressure mounts in the North East, 16 family members of terrorists; including four adult women and 12 children surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area on July 14. Preliminary investigations indicate they came from Bakura Jega village.
In another development in the South East, troops arrested a tax collector allegedly working for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The suspect was reportedly tasked with collecting levies from residents, and ₦1.5 million was recovered from him.
The Defence Headquarters continues to urge citizens to remain vigilant and support ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
