Troops arrest five suspected smugglers, recover materials in Borno–Yobe axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested five suspected smugglers and recovered assorted items during an operation along the border communities of Borno State and Yobe State.
Security sources said the suspects were intercepted on April 19 at about 0415 hrs by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The suspects were apprehended while conveying goods in three Golf vehicles along a bush path linking Yunusari–Bukarti to Kaula and Gamari axis in Abadam and Yunusari Local Government Areas.
Those arrested were identified as Ari Chune, 28, from Diffa; Umara Sani, 24, from Damasak, both in Borno State; as well as Tujjani Bogo, 32; Haruna Ibrahim, 17; and Lawan Ahmadu, 18, all from Yunusari LGA of Yobe State.
Items recovered from the suspects include 39 solar panels, 10 surface pumping machines, 470 pieces of 2x2 wood, 64 plastic fibre roofing sheets, four Android smartphones, one Tecno phone and the sum of ₦223,200.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade for further investigation.
Military authorities said the operation was part of sustained efforts to disrupt illegal supply chains and deny insurgents access to logistics within the North-East theatre.
