Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a 54-year-old suspected Boko Haram fuel supplier in Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed in a statement that the troops have sustained significant momentum in the fight against insurgency. Under Operation Desert Sanity IV, conducted between September 19 and 24, 2025, major successes were recorded in Borno and Adamawa States.
The suspect, identified as Thomas James, was apprehended on September 23 while traveling along the Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road with 23 bottles of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a bag.
“Troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion at Forward Operating Base Ngwom intercepted Thomas James, aged 54, as he attempted to board a vehicle to Gamboru Ngala from Maiduguri,” the statement read. “Preliminary investigations link him to terrorist fuel supply networks. He has been handed over to the 7 Military Intelligence Brigade for further interrogation.”
Other notable achievements during the week include the interception of 21 jerricans of smuggled fuel around the Mubi area, the seizure of large quantities of urea fertilizer at Mubi Central Market, and the neutralization of one suspected terrorist during an ambush near Alau Dam in Borno State.
“On September 19, troops from the 232 Battalion (Tactical) and Sector 4 Special Forces seized seven jerricans of smuggled PMS at Vintim, Mubi South LGA. On September 21, nine jerricans of PMS were intercepted along the Fillin Ball–Gella road in Mubi South,” the statement added. “Additionally, on September 24, five more jerricans of PMS were confiscated at Tsamiya, Mubi North, Adamawa State.”
In a separate operation on September 21 and 24, troops uncovered quantities of urea fertilizer abandoned by fleeing suspects at Mubi Central Market. These continued interceptions have significantly disrupted terrorist supply lines and their ability to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
On September 22, troops of the 73 Battalion (Motorised), working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces, launched an ambush at Kolori Karumi, west of Alau Dam, Borno State. At approximately 10:15 p.m., contact was made, resulting in the neutralization of a suspected Boko Haram scout.
Furthermore, on September 24, acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 232 Battalion with local hunters arrested Ahmadu Buba, 31, in Garkida, Gombi LGA. The suspect, originally from Sabon Gari Kimba in Damboa, confessed to joining Boko Haram in April 2025 and admitted to involvement in attacks at Mandaragirau Sabon Gari Kimba (August 2025) and the destruction of Mandahuma Bridge (June 2025).
The Military High Command commended the troops for their outstanding performance and urged them to maintain their aggressive stance and high operational tempo.
