Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, commander of Sector 2 of the North‑East Operation Hadin Kai, told defence reporters in Damaturu that troops have seized more than 400 Starlink satellite‑communication terminals believed to be used by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. The devices were recovered during ongoing “strangulation” operations aimed at cutting the insurgents’ logistics and communications across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle and other hostile enclaves in Nigeria’s north‑east.
Martins said the seizures form part of a broader campaign to disrupt the supply chains that sustain terrorist activity. “Logistics resupply is the lifeblood of these groups,” he explained. “We are deliberately denying them the freedom to move supplies, fuel, communication equipment and other operational items across the theatre.” He added that the insurgency’s asymmetric nature forces militants to rely heavily on civilian networks, including traders, transporters and local collaborators, to move food, fuel, drugs, spare parts and other materiel to remote hideouts.
The commander acknowledged that some civilians cooperate willingly with the militants, while others are coerced through threats and intimidation. Intelligence‑driven raids have enabled troops to infiltrate several transport and supply syndicates, leading to the arrest of hundreds of couriers, logistics providers and alleged collaborators. “Arrests are made on a daily basis; to date we have disrupted over 400 logistics‑related cases and networks supporting terrorist operations,” Martins said.
In addition to the Starlink equipment, security forces have intercepted consignments of petrol, narcotics, medical supplies, foodstuffs and motorcycle parts destined for insurgent camps. The seizures have taken place along major movement corridors linking Kano, Nguru and other routes that feed the Timbuktu Triangle and Sambisa Forest. Martins also highlighted the exploitation of local livestock markets by militants, who rustle animals and sell them to fund operations. In response, authorities have introduced verification measures requiring clear ownership documentation before livestock can be sold, a step intended to track and block illicit financing.
Martins asserted that the sustained “strangulation” operations have significantly weakened terrorist logistics networks and reduced the militants’ operational flexibility within the sector. He noted that continued military pressure has forced several fighters and family members to surrender, further curbing the groups’ ability to launch attacks on communities and security forces.
The commander reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying offensive actions, intercepting supply routes and dismantling communication infrastructures that sustain insurgent activity in the north‑east. He indicated that the operation will maintain its focus on degrading the logistical lifelines that enable Boko Haram and ISWAP to operate, thereby enhancing security for the region’s civilian population.
