Troops arrest 22 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mafa, seize smoked fish consignment

Troops arrest 22 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mafa, seize smoked fish consignment

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North-East Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and 21 accomplices transporting large quantities of smoked fish believed to be linked to insurgent financing in Borno State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday by troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, under 24 Task Force Brigade, deployed at Checkpoint 2 in Mafa Local Government Area.

The main suspect, identified as 40-year-old Ibrahim Bukar, was intercepted alongside others while conveying 59 cartons and 28 sacks of smoked fish in two Isuzu trucks.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the smoked fish was handed over to them in Laje village by terrorists,” the report said.

Sources added that the main suspect confessed to having supplied various items to terrorists over time, and was positively identified by hybrid forces who confirmed he once served as their supplier while in the bush.

All suspects and the recovered items have been taken into custody for further investigation.

Troops arrest 22 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mafa, seize smoked fish consignment