Terrorist Logistics Network Disrupted in North East

Strategic Insights -

Security forces in Nigeria have made significant gains in disrupting the logistics networks of terrorist groups in the North East region. According to a Defence Headquarters (DHQ) briefing, two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested in Borno State for allegedly transporting arms and military uniforms for terrorists. The suspects were apprehended in Liya, Biu Local Government Area, after receiving a waybill from a truck driver as part of prior intelligence received by security forces. Additionally, a 65-year-old terrorist logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, was arrested at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State. The recovered items include 13 pairs of military uniforms, high-voltage batteries, arms, ammunition, and a sum of N17,150.00. Furthermore, 16 family members of terrorists, including four adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA, and a tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was arrested in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two suspects, Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested for allegedly transporting arms and military uniforms for terrorists in Borno State.
  • A total of 13 pairs of military uniforms and high-voltage batteries were recovered from the suspects.
  • Shaibu Bulama, a 65-year-old terrorist logistics supplier, was arrested at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State.
  • Troops recovered arms, ammunition, and a sum of N17,150.00 during the arrest of Shaibu Bulama.
  • 16 family members of terrorists surrendered to troops in Bama LGA, including four adult females and 12 children.
  • The family members cited preliminary investigations surrendered from Bakura Jega village.
  • A tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was arrested in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State with N1.5 million in his possession.
  • The tax collector was allegedly commissioned by the separatist group to collect levies from local residents.

Statistics:

  • 2 suspects arrested in Borno State for allegedly transporting arms and military uniforms for terrorists.
  • 13 pairs of military uniforms recovered from the suspects.
  • High-voltage batteries recovered from the suspects.
  • 1 terrorist logistics supplier arrested in Yobe State.
  • Arms and ammunition recovered from Shaibu Bulama.
  • N17,150.00 recovered from Shaibu Bulama.
  • 16 family members of terrorists surrendered to troops in Bama LGA.
  • 4 adult females among the 16 family members who surrendered.
  • 12 children among the 16 family members who surrendered.
  • N1.5 million recovered from the tax collector for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Sources:

  • Defence Headquarters (DHQ) briefing by Major General Markus Kangye, dated July 17, 2025.
  • Defence Headquarters (DHQ) media briefing, dated July 10, 2025.