Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers during an intelligence-led operation that intercepted a convoy transporting a large consignment of materials allegedly destined for insurgent groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out at about 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2026, during a coordinated stop-and-search exercise along a route believed to be used for supplying terrorist groups with logistics.
Captain Goni explained that troops attached to Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai acted on credible intelligence, leading to the successful interception of the suspected logistics network.
“Troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), acting on credible intelligence, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network and arrested six suspects during a well-coordinated covert operation aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains in the North East Theatre.
“The operation culminated in the arrest of six suspected terrorist logistics suppliers travelling in five vehicles while conveying a large consignment of materials destined for terrorist elements,” the statement read.
Items recovered during the operation included 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing a substance suspected to be acid, one Starlink satellite internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.
The Army said preliminary findings indicate that many of the recovered items possess dual-use characteristics and could potentially support terrorist operations, including logistics, mobility, communications and sustainment.
Captain Goni noted that the recovered fertilisers and suspected acid would undergo detailed technical and forensic examination to determine whether they were intended for the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Some of the recovered items, particularly the NPK fertilisers and suspected acid, will undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine their intended use, including any possible application in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” he stated.
He described the operation as a major setback for terrorist logistics networks, stressing that disrupting supply chains remains a key component of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the North-East.
The Army added that all six suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for further investigation.
According to the statement, investigators are expected to determine the intended recipients of the materials, uncover the wider logistics network and identify additional collaborators and financiers linked to the operation.
Captain Goni further revealed that information gathered from rescued hostages and families of surrendered terrorists indicates that sustained military operations targeting logistics and supply routes have significantly weakened insurgent groups.
He explained that many terrorist camps have experienced severe shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment and other essential resources.
“According to the debriefings, persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other essential logistics have compelled many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and enclaves while fleeing sustained military pressure,” he said.
The Army reaffirmed that Operation Hadin Kai would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics structures and denying insurgents the resources needed to sustain their activities.
“The Theatre will continue to target terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants, and collaborators to deny them the resources, freedom of movement, and operational capability required to sustain their campaign of terrorism,” he added.
Captain Goni also appealed to residents across the North-East to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information regarding suspicious movements and activities.
He stressed that cooperation from members of the public remains crucial to the success of ongoing military operations and the restoration of lasting peace in the region.
