…arrest of the Boko Haram fuel supply suspects is expected to contribute to weakening the operational networks of terrorists.
Damaturu, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Boko Haram fuel supply suspects have been arrested by troops of Operation HADIN KAI following a targeted operation in Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The arrests were made during a late-night patrol on March 24, 2026, by troops of the 241 Battalion stationed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Jajimaji, as part of ongoing military efforts to disrupt logistics networks supporting insurgent activities in the North-East.
Security sources, cited by analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on X, disclosed that the troops intercepted vehicles suspected to be conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for Boko Haram terrorists.
According to the sources, the soldiers were on routine night patrol when they discovered two vehicles loading fuel at a filling station located in the Yusuf Abah area of Yusufari.
On sighting the troops, the drivers of the vehicles reportedly attempted to flee the scene, prompting a swift pursuit by the military personnel.
“On sighting the troops, the vehicles attempted to flee the scene, prompting a pursuit by the soldiers. One Golf vehicle was successfully intercepted, while the second vehicle escaped,” a source revealed.
A subsequent search of the intercepted vehicle led to the discovery of seven sacks filled with PMS, each containing approximately 77 litres, suggesting a coordinated effort to transport large quantities of fuel.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspects, including the driver of the vehicle, identified as Mohammed Idi, 25, and his motor boy, Mero Umra, 21.
Also apprehended were the manager of the filling station, Hasan Liman, 50, and a security guard, Jibril Audu, 28, who are believed to have facilitated the supply chain.
Security officials suspect that the arrested individuals are part of a broader network involved in the illegal distribution of fuel to insurgent groups operating in the region.
Further checks during the operation revealed a cash sum of N1.6 million, which troops believe may have been intended either as payment for the fuel or as operational funds to sustain terrorist logistics.
The suspects and the recovered money are currently in military custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of their involvement and identify other members of the network.
The arrest of the Boko Haram fuel supply suspects highlights ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle the logistical backbone of insurgent groups by targeting supply routes and collaborators.
Military analysts note that disrupting fuel supply chains is a critical component of counter-insurgency operations, as it directly impacts the mobility and operational capacity of terrorist groups.
Fuel, particularly PMS, is considered a vital resource for insurgents, enabling the movement of fighters, transportation of weapons, and execution of attacks across remote areas.
As such, security forces have intensified surveillance and patrols around filling stations and border communities suspected to be part of these illicit supply networks.
The latest operation underscores the importance of intelligence-driven patrols and rapid response tactics in curbing support systems that sustain insurgency in the North-East.
While one of the vehicles managed to escape during the encounter, security sources indicate that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Authorities have also signalled plans to widen investigations to uncover possible collaborators within local communities and commercial outlets aiding such activities.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly warned individuals and businesses against engaging in transactions that may directly or indirectly support insurgent groups, stressing that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
As operations intensify, the arrest of the Boko Haram fuel supply suspects is expected to contribute to weakening the operational networks of terrorists in the region.
Security agencies continue to urge residents to provide credible information that could assist in identifying suspicious movements or activities linked to insurgency.
