Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully intercepted a cross-border fuel smuggling attempt and arrested 16 suspected terrorists in ongoing operations across the North-East Theatre of Nigeria, the military has confirmed.

According to the Nigerian Army, soldiers from 3 Battalion (Mechanised), acting on intelligence, intercepted 19 jerrycans of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and two carts along suspected smuggling routes in Gamboru/Ngala Local Government Area, Borno State, near the Nigeria–Cameroon border. The suspects reportedly fled, abandoning the illicit fuel before troops secured the area.

In a separate operation along the Biu–Buratai–Kamuya road, troops apprehended 16 individuals who initially claimed to be members of hybrid forces. Searches of the suspects led to the seizure of ammunition, magazines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, military kits, and multiple mobile phones, suggesting involvement in terrorist logistics.

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Troops also recovered a motorcycle previously stolen by terrorists during an attack in neighbouring Yobe State, highlighting efforts to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Additionally, troops engaged insurgents in a brief firefight in Chibok Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat without reported casualties among security forces.

All operations were conducted under Operation Desert Sanity V, which involves sustained patrols, clearance missions, and aggressive offensive actions in Sectors 3 and 4 of the North-East Theatre. These missions aim to disrupt terrorist supply chains, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain pressure on insurgent elements.

Military authorities emphasised that the arrested suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Commanders also urged local communities to continue providing credible intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness and civilian security.

The military described the recent operations as a significant blow to terrorist logistics, underscoring its commitment to protecting civilians, securing communities, and degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups in the North-East.

Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno