Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested two men suspected of supplying logistics to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.
The arrests were carried out on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in the Gumsa area of Mobbar Local Government Area following intelligence about the movement of items allegedly destined for terrorist elements operating around the Yunusari-Mobbar axis.
Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama disclosed the operation in a post on X.
According to a military intelligence source, troops from 159 Battalion, supported by CJTF personnel, launched a fighting patrol after receiving credible human intelligence on the suspected logistics movement.
The operation resulted in the interception of the consignment and the arrest of two civilians identified as Mala Mustapha, 50, and Massa Aliyu, 40. Both suspects are reportedly from Asaye village in Damasak, Mobbar LGA.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly obtained motorcycle spare parts for terrorist elements believed to be operating between Yunusari and Mobbar.
A substantial quantity of motorcycle components was recovered during the operation.
Items seized included 50 motorcycle tyres, 10 crankshafts, 50 oil seals, 31 traffic indicators, 49 acceleration cables, 46 clutch cables, 20 spindles, 10 packs of bearings and 20 brake rods.
Security personnel also recovered 75 gaskets, 20 brake shoes, 80 piston kits, 146 chains and sprockets, 11 speedometers and 15 clutch plates.
Other recovered components included piston rings, rocker arms, CDI units, shock rubbers, coils, rectifiers, fuel taps, fuel filters, PAG valves, hand pumps and ignition keys, among other motorcycle parts.
Investigators also recovered 145 pairs of footwear, which are being examined as part of the suspected logistics consignment.
Two Tecno Android phones, another small Tecno handset and N3,200 cash were also recovered.
The suspects and all recovered items have been transferred to the 27 Military Intelligence Regiment (27 MIR) for further investigation.
The operation is part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt the supply networks that provide equipment and other resources to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.
Military sources said troops would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at identifying and dismantling terrorist networks and their collaborators across the region.
