By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted large consignments of concealed medical supplies and other items during a routine checkpoint operation in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with the Vigilante Force (VF) at Mafa Checkpoint 2.
The suspects were identified as Mustapha Bukar, 47; Modio Mohammed, 44; Sale Usman, 21; Abubakar Makita, 19; and Abubakar Mohammed, 19.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while transporting 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5% dewormer and 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for animals without any waybill or supporting documentation.
A further search of the vehicles led to the discovery of additional medical supplies concealed in the trucks, including 32 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium Injection, 58 cartons of Benzylpenicillin Sodium BP, six cartons of Dexamethasone Injection, and 51 cartons of Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the products were loaded from the Bolori Store Market in Maiduguri and were purportedly destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad Republic.
However, intelligence obtained from the suspects indicated that the medical supplies concealed in one of the trucks were to be transloaded into another vehicle at a pre-arranged location near the Nigeria–Chad border.
The items were being transported in a blue Mandizer truck with registration number SUL 969 XA and a white HOWO truck bearing registration number 09B280BO, belonging to the Borno State Government.
During the operation, troops also recovered 30 units of 80-inch LG plasma televisions, 152 empty Bagco sacks, and seven mobile phones.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation, while the two trucks have been impounded pending further action.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the intended recipients of the consignments and establish any possible links between the suspects and terrorist logistics networks operating in the North-East.
