Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier with Assorted Drugs in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) while attempting to transport a large consignment of pharmaceutical drugs towards Damboa in Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was intercepted at about 11:00 a.m. on July 10 during routine security screening by intelligence personnel of the 18 Battalion deployed at the Molai Main Entrance Gate on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

The sources identified the suspect as Mohammed Goni, 31, who was travelling in a vehicle heading towards Damboa when troops subjected the vehicle to a routine search.

According to the sources, the search led to the discovery of a large quantity of assorted pharmaceutical drugs in the suspect’s possession. He was unable to produce any valid clearance or documentation authorising the movement of the medical supplies 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 since been handed over to the Military Intelligence Brigade for detailed investigation to determine the source of the drugs, their intended destination and any possible links to ISWAP’s logistics network operating within the North-East.

Security sources noted that terrorist groups have increasingly relied on clandestine supply chains to procure pharmaceuticals and other essential materials used to treat wounded fighters and sustain their operations in remote camps.

The arrest, they added, forms part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting critical supplies before they reach insurgent enclaves. Investigations are ongoing.

Troops Arrest Suspected ISWAP Logistics Supplier with Assorted Drugs in Borno

Four Family Members Flee ISWAP Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Gwoza

By Zagazola Makama

Four family members linked to terrorists have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI after escaping from an insurgent enclave in the Mandara Mountains of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the individuals surrendered at about 8:30 a.m. on July 10 to troops of C Company, 192 Battalion (Mechanised), deployed in Gwoza.

The sources said the group comprised two women, a teenager and an infant who fled from the Kunde terrorist enclave, one of the remaining hideouts used by Boko Haram/ISWAP elements in the Mandara Mountains.

The surrendered persons were identified as Hauwa Muhammadu, 40; Aisha Muhammadu, 22; Adamu Muhammadu, 15; and 10-month-old Muhammad Mustapha.

According to preliminary findings, the family told investigators that they escaped from the enclave due to sustained military pressure on the terrorists’ positions and worsening humanitarian conditions within the camp.

“The family disclosed that continuous offensive operations by troops, coupled with severe shortages of food and other basic necessities, made survival in the enclave increasingly difficult, forcing them to flee,” a military source said.

During the screening process, troops recovered a total of ₦32,100 from the family.

Military sources said the four individuals were properly screened and documented in line with established procedures and are currently in the custody of the 192 Battalion for further profiling and appropriate administrative action.

Security sources noted that sustained ground and air offensives by Operation HADIN KAI have continued to weaken terrorist strongholds across the Mandara Mountains and Sambisa axis, resulting in a steady stream of escapes and surrenders by family members and other persons previously held within insurgent-controlled enclaves.

They added that the continued surrender of women and children reflects the growing pressure on terrorist camps as military operations intensify across the North-East.

Four Family Members Flee ISWAP Enclave, Surrender to Troops in Gwoza

South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng

By Zagazola Makama

South African security agencies have arrested 137 suspects during a coordinated operation targeting illegal mining activities in Gauteng Province, authorities said.

The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services, and Fidelity Specialised Services as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating across the province.

According to security officials, the suspects include undocumented foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho who were allegedly engaged in unlawful mining activiti.p

Two additional suspects were also arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition and for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operations, including mining tools, food supplies, and alcoholic beverages.

Authorities also seized a 9mm pistol, two magazines, and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

The operation forms part of sustained security measures by South African law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has increasingly been linked to organised criminal networks, illegal firearms, immigration offences, and violent crimes in parts of Gauteng.

The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations, while security agencies said efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates across the province would continue.

South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng