Troops intercept 400 Starlink devices used by terrorists in North-East

The troops of Sector 2, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have intercepted more than 400 Starlink communication devices used by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists to perpetrate crime in the region.

The sector’s commander, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, disclosed this while briefing defence correspondents in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Martins said the internet service providers were seized during the ongoing strangulation and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist logistics and communication networks within the sector’s area of responsibility.

Martins said the recovered Starlink terminals were intercepted during sustained operations across Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and other terrorist enclaves in the North-East.

“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 said.

The commander explained that the asymmetric nature of the insurgency had enabled terrorists to rely heavily on civilian supply chains and collaborators for movement of food, fuel, drugs, communication gadgets and motorcycle spare parts into remote hideouts.

Martins stated that some civilians were voluntarily collaborating with terrorists, while others acted under coercion and intimidation.

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“There is a high level of collusion between some members of the civil populace and the terrorists. Some do it willingly, while others are forced through threats and coercion,” Martins stated.

He added that troops have successfully infiltrated several transport and logistics networks used by insurgents through intelligence operations targeting transporters, traders and supply syndicates operating across the region.

“It will interest you to know that arrests are made on a daily basis. So far, we have disrupted over 400 logistics-related cases and networks supporting terrorist operations,” he said.

The commander stated that the ongoing strangulation operations have significantly weakened terrorist logistics chains and reduced their operational flexibility across the sector.

Martins also disclosed that sustained military offensives and intelligence-driven operations have led to the surrender of several terrorists and members of their families within the area of responsibility.

Martins reaffirmed the commitment of the sector to intensifying offensive operations, intercepting terrorist supply routes and dismantling communication networks sustaining insurgent activities in the North-East.