- Intercepts Four Hundred Starlink Devices, Others
- MNJTF, Operation Hadin Kai Tighten Noose On Terrorists As Commanders Push Fresh War Strategy
Nigerian troops under Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai have intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices allegedly linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, in what military authorities described as a major breakthrough in ongoing operations against insurgent logistics and communication networks in the North-East.
The Sector Commander, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed the development on Tuesday in Damaturu, revealing that the seizure followed intensified intelligence-led operations targeting terrorist enclaves across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other notorious hideouts.
Martins said the military had launched aggressive “strangulation operations” designed to cripple the flow of supplies sustaining insurgent activities, including communication gadgets, fuel, drugs, food items and other operational materials.
“The lifeblood of terrorist activities is logistics resupply, and we are deliberately denying them freedom to move supplies, communication equipment, fuel and other operational items across the theatre,” he stated.
According to the commander, terrorists have continued to depend heavily on civilian supply chains and local collaborators to transport critical items into remote camps hidden deep within the forest corridors.
He disclosed that troops successfully infiltrated transport and logistics networks linked to insurgent groups, leading to the arrest of hundreds of suspected suppliers, couriers and collaborators aiding terrorist operations.
Martins revealed that security forces had already disrupted more than 400 logistics-related cases and support networks connected to Boko Haram and ISWAP activities across the region.
The military further uncovered attempts to smuggle petrol, medical supplies, spare parts and foodstuffs through routes stretching from Kano into Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.
He added that insurgents were also exploiting livestock markets to generate funds through the sale of rustled animals, forcing security agencies to introduce livestock verification measures aimed at tracking ownership before sales are approved.
According to Martins, sustained offensives by troops have significantly weakened terrorist supply chains, restricted insurgents’ mobility and compelled several fighters and their family members to surrender.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to intensify operations targeting terrorist communication systems, logistics structures and financial networks across the North-East.
Security analysts say the interception of over 400 Starlink devices signals a worrying shift in the tactics of extremist groups operating within the Lake Chad region, with Boko Haram and ISWAP increasingly turning to modern satellite communication technology to coordinate attacks, evade surveillance and maintain operations in remote territories where conventional telecom networks are limited or non-existent.
The latest breakthrough also highlights the evolving nature of Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, which has moved beyond direct combat into a broader intelligence-driven strategy focused on dismantling logistics pipelines, fuel routes, financing structures and civilian collaboration networks sustaining insurgency in the region.
The development comes amid growing concerns that terrorist groups across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin are becoming more technologically sophisticated through the use of encrypted communication systems, drones and digital financing channels despite sustained military pressure.
Meanwhile, the battle against terrorism in Nigeria’s North-East received a major boost on Tuesday as the Force Commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Saidu Audu, stormed Maiduguri for a high-level operational meeting with commanders of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), declaring that stronger collaboration remains the surest route to crushing insurgents across the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba on behalf of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the strategic visit to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State brought together top military officers from Nigeria and other MNJTF contributing nations in what security sources described as a critical push to intensify ongoing offensives against terrorist groups.
Addressing senior officers during the engagement, Major General Audu said the visit was aimed at generating “high volumes of ideas” capable of accelerating operational victories against insurgents terrorising the North-East and neighbouring countries.
“The aim of this visit is to brainstorm and generate a high volume of ideas with OPHK towards achieving operational successes,” Audu said.
He stressed that deeper collaoration and stronger synergy between the MNJTF and Operation HADIN KAI had become non-negotiable in the renewed military campaign against terrorism.
“Collaborative efforts remain the most viable pathway to decisively decimate terrorist elements and deny them freedom of action,” the Force Commander declared.
Major General Audu described the MNJTF as a unique multinational alliance made up of troops from member nations committed to restoring peace and stability within the Lake Chad Basin.
The Force Commander also commended the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and troops under his command for sustaining pressure on insurgents and recording significant operational gains.
He noted that the efforts of the Theatre Command had helped bring insurgency “under considerable control” despite persistent threats from terrorist groups operating in the region.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as “timely and strategic,” saying it would further strengthen joint military operations between both formations.
According to him, enhanced cooperation between Operation HADIN KAI and the MNJTF would boost security, peace and economic stability across member nations.
Abubakar reaffirmed the commitment of OPHK to sustained collaboration in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in North-East Nigeria.
He said the operation remained determined to safeguard lives and property while creating a safer environment for socio-economic activities to thrive within the Chad Basin region.
The high-profile visit was attended by several senior military officers, including the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; Deputy Force Commander MNJTF, Brigadier General Ndjonkep Frederic; Chief of Staff to the Theatre Commander, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed; component commanders, field commanders, and other principal staff officers.
Highlights of the visit included the inspection of a quarter guard, operational briefings, closed-door interactive sessions, exchange of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph.
