Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intercepted five individuals transporting about N37 million in cash suspected to be linked to terrorist financing activities in Borno State.
The suspects were arrested while travelling in a red Golf wagon with registration number MNG 463 XA on their way to Magumeri. The vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint during a routine security operation, where troops discovered the large sum of money concealed in a “Ghana must go” bag and a sack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the three men and two women initially claimed they were unaware of the exact amount of money in their possession. They later stated that the funds were intended for distribution to beneficiaries of a non-governmental organisation.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, February 16, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), said troops also recovered about 10 assorted mobile phones from the suspects.
He noted that the interception followed recent successful defensive operations in Pulka and Madara-Girau, as troops intensified efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and supply networks across the theatre of operations.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1, working alongside vigilante forces, carried out a coordinated night ambush on February 16 along a known crossing route frequently used by ISWAP elements moving from Cameroon into Nigeria. The insurgents reportedly ran into heavy fire and retreated in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of a cache of logistics supplies believed to be meant for terrorist resupply operations, further weakening the group’s operational capacity.
In a related operation at the Forward Operating Base Chabbal Checkpoint, troops intercepted the vehicle carrying the five suspects and uncovered the N37 million, along with multiple mobile phones suspected to be connected to terrorist financing and coordination efforts.
The military said the operations reflect a deliberate strategy to choke off terrorist supply chains by targeting both movement corridors and financial networks supporting insurgent activities.
The High Command commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops and collaborating security agencies, reaffirming that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East.
