Troops arrest six ISWAP financiers in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested six suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over allegations of financing terrorist activities through cattle trading in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended on July 27 during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the 5 Brigade in Damasak.

The suspects were identified as Danlitti Muhammadu, 50; Bala Alhassan, 54; Zanna Sarki, 50; Musa Isyaku, 40; Abdulkadir Garba, 25; and Mustapha Muhammed, 24.

According to the sources, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly raised funds for Boko Haram/ISWAP by purchasing cattle and selling them at markets in Gubio, Damasak and Ajuwango, with proceeds reportedly channelled to support the operations of the terrorist group.

Items recovered during the operation included a Volkswagen Golf II vehicle with registration number UMA 06 XA, the vehicle key, four mobile phones comprising two Infinix devices, one Samsung phone and one Itel phone, a quantity of cow meat and N317,950 in cash.

The suspects are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of their alleged involvement and identify other members of the suspected terror-financing network.

Military sources said troops have continued intelligence-driven and offensive operations across the North-East to dismantle terrorist logistics, funding channels and support networks.

They added that while the security situation in the area remains relatively calm, operations are being sustained to prevent renewed attacks and disrupt the activities of insurgent groups.