Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 31-year-old man suspected of supplying logistics to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after intercepting him with a large consignment of pharmaceutical drugs allegedly destined for Damboa, Borno State.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the suspect, identified as Mohammed Goni, was arrested at about 11:00 a.m. on July 10 during a routine security screening by intelligence personnel of the 18 Battalion at the Molai Main Entrance Gate on the outskirts of Maiduguri.
The suspect was travelling in a vehicle heading towards Damboa when troops conducted a search and reportedly discovered a large quantity of assorted pharmaceutical drugs in his possession.
Sources said Goni failed to provide any valid clearance or documentation authorising the movement of the drugs 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 been handed over to the Military Intelligence Brigade for further investigation to determine the source of the drugs, their intended destination, and any possible links to ISWAP’s logistics network in the North-East.
Security sources noted that terrorist groups increasingly rely on covert supply chains to obtain pharmaceutical products and other essential materials used to treat wounded fighters and sustain operations in remote camps.
The arrest is said to be part of ongoing intelligence-led operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks by intercepting critical supplies before they reach insurgent enclaves.
