Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant blow to terrorist logistics networks in northeastern Nigeria, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intercepted two pick-up vans suspected of carrying vital supplies to fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State. The interception, carried out on Friday following credible human intelligence, has been hailed by military officials as an important disruption to the insurgents’ ability to sustain operations in the region.
According to the military, the operation unfolded after intelligence indicated that the convoy of vans was moving from Dapchi in neighbouring Yobe State toward the Magumeri general area of Borno. Recognising the strategic importance of the route, troops from Sector Two of the Joint Task Force, working closely with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), tactically deployed to intercept the vehicles along the identified corridor.
The statement released by Lt. Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK, confirmed that the troops successfully stopped the vans and seized a large cache of items believed to be intended to support ISWAP’s operational needs. The recovered goods spanned a range of logistical supplies, including two civilian vehicles, 31 spare tyres, 23 spare rims, two bicycles, 12 ignition key starters and three alternators. Food items were also found, such as bags of flour, charcoal and garri, as well as blankets, clothing for adults and children, a mattress, a power bank and multiple mobile phones. A sum of cash in various denominations was also among the haul.
The drivers who were transporting the consignment have been taken into military custody for interrogation as part of broader counter-terrorism investigations. The authorities say these interrogations are expected to yield crucial information on the suspected support networks that enable extremist groups like ISWAP to maintain supply lines across volatile territories.
Military analysts say disrupting supply chains is as critical to counter-insurgency efforts as defeating fighters on the battlefield. Terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin, particularly ISWAP, have long relied on covert logistics networks to move essential supplies — including food, vehicle parts, communications equipment and fuel — through remote rural routes that evade regular patrols. By denying these supply routes, the armed forces aim to constrain the groups’ mobility and operational tempo, making insurgents less capable of launching attacks or sustaining lengthy engagements.
The operation underscores the role of human intelligence and community cooperation in undermining terrorists’ logistical capabilities. In this case, credible information from local sources enabled the military to pre-emptively position forces and intercept the consignment before it could reach its destination. Analysts observe that such collaboration between security forces and local communities, including vigilante groups like the CJTF, has increasingly become a cornerstone of effective counter-insurgency efforts in northeastern Nigeria.
This latest success adds to a series of targeted actions by the Nigerian military aimed at degrading the operational infrastructure of ISWAP and other armed groups in Borno State. In recent months, troops have repelled direct attacks by insurgents on forward operating bases and convoy routes, while also conducting other interdiction operations informed by intelligence gathering. Although these confrontations have underscored the resilience of extremist elements, they have also demonstrated the growing effectiveness of Nigerian forces in anticipating and countering insurgent tactics.
Borno has remained a focal point of Nigeria’s long-running campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP, two factions that originally shared common roots but have since diverged into rival armed groups competing for territorial influence. The security situation in the state has been fluid, with frequent clashes, ambushes and attempts by insurgents to infiltrate towns, markets and transport routes. Counter-insurgency operations like Operation Hadin Kai aim to stabilise these areas, enabling displaced civilians to return home while reducing the capacity of extremist groups to conduct attacks.
The interception also comes amid ongoing efforts by the federal government to enhance the military’s capacity and readiness. Recent budget allocations propose significant increases for security spending, including resources for intelligence, logistics and force mobility, as well as support for internally displaced persons affected by the insurgency. These measures reflect a broader strategic recognition that defeating entrenched terrorist networks requires not only battlefield success but sustained pressure on their support structures and financial networks.
For communities within Borno State, military successes in cutting off supply lifelines to ISWAP fighters are critical for restoring a sense of normalcy after years of violence, displacement and economic disruption. Civilians in previously contested areas have often borne the brunt of the conflict, facing threats from both armed fighters and the humanitarian fallout of insecurity, including limited access to food, healthcare and education. By reducing insurgent logistical capabilities, security forces hope to create safer conditions that encourage displaced families to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies.
Yet challenges remain. Terrorist groups have shown the ability to adapt to shifting dynamics, including by exploiting unfamiliar routes, employing intermediaries or disguising supply movements amid civilian traffic. To effectively counter these adaptations, the military continues to emphasise intelligence gathering, technological integration and sustained engagement with local communities. Coordination with regional partners and international allies also remains a priority, as extremist networks often span borders and exploit transnational connections for recruits, funding and logistical support.
The recent interception of logistics vans is being framed by Nigerian authorities as a symbolic and substantive victory in the ongoing fight against insurgency. Military officials have reiterated their commitment to denying terrorists freedom of movement, cutting off supply chains and safeguarding civilians across the North East. As investigations continue and interrogations of the detained suspects progress, authorities are expected to leverage any insights gained to further pressure ISWAP’s operational networks and dismantle their capacity to threaten peace and stability in the region.
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