22 terrorist suppliers arrested in Mafa as troops seize smoked fish consignment

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and 21 accomplices transporting a large consignment of smoked fish allegedly linked to insurgent financing in Borno State.

According to sources, the suspects were intercepted at about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion, under the 24 Task Force Brigade, stationed at Checkpoint 2 in Mafa Local Government Area.

The principal suspect, identified as 40-year-old Ibrahim Bukar, was arrested alongside others while conveying 59 cartons and 28 sacks of smoked fish in two Isuzu trucks.

“Preliminary interrogation revealed that the smoked fish was handed over to them in Laje village by terrorists,” the report said.

Sources also disclosed that Bukar admitted to supplying various items to terrorists over time.

He was further identified by hybrid forces, who confirmed that he had previously served as their supplier while they were in the bush.

All suspects and the seized items have been handed over for further investigation.