Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested five suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and intercepted large consignments of concealed medical supplies during a checkpoint operation in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspects were arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 20 by troops of the 112 Task Force Battalion, working with members of the Vigilante Force, at Mafa Checkpoint 2
The suspects were identified as Mustapha Bukar, 47; Modio Mohammed, 44; Sale Usman, 21; Abubakar Makita, 19; and Abubakar Mohammed, 19.
According to the sources, the suspects were transporting 491 cartons of Albe Stark 2.5 per cent dewormer and 100 cartons of multivitamin injections for animals without any waybill or supporting documents when they were intercepted.
A search of the vehicles also uncovered concealed medical supplies, including 32 cartons of Diclofenac Sodium Injection, 58 cartons of Benzylpenicillin Sodium BP, six cartons of Dexamethasone Injection and 51 cartons of Metronidazole Intravenous Infusion.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the goods were loaded from Bolori Store Market in Maiduguri and were reportedly destined for a vendor in N’Djamena, Chad.
However, intelligence gathered from the suspects suggested that the concealed medical supplies were to be transferred to another vehicle at a location near the Nigeria-Chad border.
The items were being conveyed in a blue Mandizer truck with registration number SUL 969 XA and a white HOWO truck bearing registration number 09B280BO, reportedly owned by the Borno State Government.
Troops also recovered 30 units of 80-inch LG plasma televisions, 152 empty Bagco sacks and seven mobile phones during the operation.
The suspects are in the custody of the 24 Task Force Brigade for further investigation, while the two trucks have been impounded.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the intended recipients of the consignments and establish any links between the suspects and terrorist logistics networks operating in the North-East.
